An incredibly sad day for Cycling: after the Swiss Muriel Furrer, 18, the next talent, Bas van Belle, dies. The Dutch Cycling Federation announces the “unexpected” death of the 24-year-old racing driver. Details are not yet known.
It’s a sad day for Dutch cycling. Bas van Belle, cyclist for the Wielerploeg Groot Amsterdam club, has died at the age of 24. The Dutch cycling association KNWU announces this on its website. It is unclear how van Belle died.
“The KNWU learned of the unexpected death of Bas van Belle with great discouragement and sadness,” wrote the cycling association. “We mourn his loss, Bas leaves a huge void in the world of cycling. Our thoughts are with his family – especially his parents and siblings Lisa and Loe – his friends and everyone who knew Bas. We will remember him as a warm, friendly people and a talented cyclist. An online condolence book has also been set up.
Visma: “Compassion goes to the whole family”
Van Belle rode for the Luxembourgish continental team Leopard Pro Cycling in 2019 and 2020. He then returned to Wielerploeg Groot Amsterdam. He achieved several first places for the team from the Dutch capital. In 2023, he finished third in the Tour of Okinawa in Japan, also third in a stage of the Solidarnosc Cycling Race in Poland and fifth in the NK of elite riders without a contract. His last race took place last weekend. During the Ronde van Midden-Brabant, he finished 65th on Sunday.
Bas van Belle was the older brother of Loe van Belle. The latter currently rides for Visma Lease a Bike. Lisa, Bas and Loe’s younger sister, rides for Proximus-Cyclis CT. The Visma team spoke directly to Loe and her family in an article titled “Our thoughts are with you and your loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.” We wish you strength and courage for the days to come and our condolences go out to all of Bas’ family and friends.
Shortly before, it was announced that 18-year-old cyclist Muriel Furrer had died during the World Championships in Zurich. The Swiss woman fell on Thursday and died from her serious injuries in hospital a day later.
