Michael Goolaerts, the reactions to the tragedy
Michael Goolaerts is no longer with us. The twenty-three years old Belgian who was riding for Veranda’s Willems – Crelan passed away last night around 10:30 pm CET at the hospital of Lille. Goolaerts crashed apparently all by himself with over 148 kilometers remaining yesterday during Paris – Roubaix: in facts there are no images to prove the way things went down. The tragedy was caused by a cardiorespiratory arrest and as soon as the rider wasn’t standing up anymore the race medical team treated him by practising a cardiac massage. Goolaerts was riding as a pro since last year with Veranda’s Willems – Crelan, after having spent three months as a trainee to Lotto – Soudal in 2016.
We of CyclingPro.net would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family, his friends and to his team.
Several insiders, riders and teams wanted to express their grief through social media. Listed below are few of the messages of condolence.
— Veranda’s Willems – Crelan Pro Cycling Team (@Snipercycling) April 8, 2018
All the thoughts and prayers of the @BORAhansgrohe team and myself are with Michael Goolaerts. Such a sad news…
— Peter Sagan (@petosagan) April 8, 2018
Our thoughts go to the family, friends and team of Michael Goolaerts in these unimaginable moments of sadness! May he rest in peace. https://t.co/bm8kzhbu7W
— Quick-Step Cycling (@quickstepteam) April 8, 2018
Lamento la partida de Michael Goolaerts hoy en #ParisRoubaix Fortaleza a su familia, amigos y equipo.
— NairoQuinCo (@NairoQuinCo) April 8, 2018
Terrible news….
RIP Michael Goolaerts.
My deep condolences going to his family, friends, and Teammates and the @Snipercycling crew pic.twitter.com/C9YFuZHdMN— Fabian cancellara (@f_cancellara) April 8, 2018
Everyone at Team Sky is heartbroken by the loss of Michael Goolaerts. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all at @Snipercycling. https://t.co/O4j81lt9hF
— Team Sky (@TeamSky) April 8, 2018
The riders and staff of @BMCProTeam are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Goolaerts. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and @Snipercycling at this incredibly sad time. https://t.co/VkRKCuP1sL
— BMC Racing Team (@BMCProTeam) April 8, 2018
Alexandr Vinokurov: It's shocking news for the world of cycling. Not easy to find the words. Unfortunately, we know how painful and hard it is to lose a rider, a teammate, a friend. Sincere condolences to Michael Goolaerts’ family, friends and team. It's black day for cycling.
— Astana Pro Team (@AstanaTeam) April 9, 2018
Devastating news. Our most sincere condolences to the family, friends and team of Michael Goolaerts. https://t.co/FatycNd2Y4
— Lotto Soudal (@Lotto_Soudal) April 8, 2018
C'est avec une infinie tristesse que nous avons appris ce soir le décès de Michael Goolaerts.
Toutes nos pensées vont à sa famille, son équipe et ses proches.
All our thoughts are with his family, his team and beloved ones. https://t.co/sTDxbEehj1
— Paris-Roubaix (@Paris_Roubaix) April 8, 2018