Belgian cyclist tragically dies on his 19th birthday – one day after being told he had ‘flu’

Belgian cyclist Tuur Hancke has tragically died on his 19th birthday, his team have announced.

Hancke passed away on his birthday on Monday, with his father telling the Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad that he had suffered a sudden illness.

‘He returned to his dormitory from class because he wasn’t feeling well,’ his father told the newspaper.

‘He thought he had a cold because he had cycled in the rain on Sunday. When it didn’t get better, he went to see a doctor.

‘When he arrived at the dorm, his condition continued to deteriorate. My wife drove to his dorm at a quarter to eight. He was weak and could no longer stand on his feet. 

Hancke had reportedly been given antibiotics after being taken to hospital, with the cyclist initially thought to have been suffering from flu.

Hancke had announced in September that he was planning to move away from cycling

‘At first we thought he could be resuscitated, but by 2 a.m. he was dead,’ his father added.

Tributes were paid on social media by Hancke’s team Gaverzicht-BE Okay-Van Mossel.

‘It is with great sadness that we learned of the sudden death of Tuur Hancke,’ the team wrote.

‘He had joined us in 2022 to race for two years among the juniors and then make his debut among the Under 23s in 2024.

‘All the riders and club staff members keep wonderful memories of Tuur, a boy who was always respectful, always smiling, loved by everyone. Unfortunately, there is no more time to build new memories. 

‘We wish strength to all those who knew Tuur: first and foremost, to his family, his teammates, and friends inside and outside the club.’

The Belgian Cycling Federation offered a tribute to the amateur cyclist, writing ‘Such devastating news. Our thoughts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Tuur Hancke.

‘We want to offer them our deepest condolences.’

Hancke’s death came just weeks after the cyclist had announced he would be leaving the sport, stating he was ready to start a ‘new chapter’.

‘What first seemed like a habit became a big part of my life in recent years. Now is the time to enjoy the other things in life,’ Hancke wrote on Instagram in September.

‘After four unforgettable years I am saying goodbye to the course. 

‘Thank you to my parents, trainer, staff and all the supporters who made this adventure possible. On to a new chapter!’