The world of Cycling is a small environment where everyone meets and knows each other. The peloton is made up of runners from various backgrounds maintaining a common passion. The extreme suffering of this sport strengthens the bonds between athletes. Whether they belong to the same cycling team or not, the respect is often very strong. The death of one of them is therefore always a very special moment to experience for an entire platoon.
Tuur Hancke had barely celebrated his 19th birthday before tragically losing his life. A terrible fate for this Belgian cyclist of The Lead Out Cycling Academy training. Even more so when we know that he had planned to end his career at the end of the season. He actually wanted devote yourself to your studiesnot feeling capable of going to the highest level in the world of professional sport.
The Belgian team’s tribute to its young cyclist
The news of his death was announced by his team The Lead Out Cycling Academy. A training which brings together nearly 200 young talents whom it attempts to support towards the highest level. The death of the young man was therefore experienced as a shock. Especially since it happened completely suddenly. Nothing in fact suggested such a tragedy. The cycling team therefore wanted to pay a poignant tribute to its rider on its Instagram page.
“It is with great sadness that the club learned of the sudden death of Tuur Hancke. Tuur has been with our juniors since 2022 and last season with the hopefuls. The riders and staff have the best memories of Tuur. Always respectful, always smiling, appreciated by all. Unfortunately, there is no time left together to create new memories. We wish everyone who knew Tuur great strength. First and foremost, Tuur’s family and friends, his teammates and friends inside and outside the club.”.
The sports director saddened by the death of Tuur Hancke
The shock is all the more terrible as Tuur Hanke had decided to put an end to his cycling career. The young man had in fact announced on his Instagram page wanting to turn to other priorities. A death which will probably have a considerable impact on his training partners. This is what the team’s sporting director, Arne Houtekier, explained in the Belgian media 7 out of 7.
“The sudden death of Tuur provokes great sadness in our team. The boys who rode with him in the same youth category are particularly affected. They trained together and did courses together: this creates a bond that goes beyond simple traveling companions ». Very sad news for cycling which is losing another member.
