The tragic news late Sunday night that Belgian rider Antoine Demoitié had died after sustaining severe injuries in Gent-Wevelgem was shocking for many involved in professional cycling and, indeed, for those fans following the sport.
That a 25-year old should lose his life while taking part in a sporting event is cruel, and even more so after repeated warnings in the past year that race vehicles were too close and too fast when around riders.
However, while full details are yet to emerge, his Wanty-Groupe Goubert team has dismissed suggestions that the moto driver was to blame in the matter.
“This is a tragic accident, the driver has been at least 20 years in Belgian cycling races. He is very affected by what happened, just as we all are,” team press officer José Been said in an interview with Radio 1.
“This is not a case of collision at high speed such as what happened with Peter Sagan or Stig Broeckx. This is a fatal accident, the man tried to brake and in doing so, fell on Antoine.”
Demoitié and several others fell during the race. According to NIS journalist Sebastian Timmerman, there was nothing the driver could have done.
“This was just a very unfortunate accident. Antoine Demoitié crashed with several other riders. An official motorbike that drove behind them tried to evade the riders, but it went wrong. He crashed and the motorbike landed on Antoine Demoitié.”
Speaking to HLN, he said that the driver was very experienced. He echoed Been in saying that the driver was very affected by what had happened.
Wanty-Groupe Goubert issued a brief statement on Monday morning.
“Antoine Demoitié passed away last night after a terrible accident in Gent-Wevelgem. The entire team is in disbelief, shock, angry and sad because of the loss of Antoine. Our thoughts go out to his wife, family and friends.”
It added that due to the many questions about what happened, a press conference would be held in De Panne on Tuesday evening.
An overdue catalyst for change
While this tragic accident appears to be just that, the news has nevertheless prompted a re-examination of safety in races. The spate of crashes in the past year illustrates there is a problem which needs to be addressed and many are calling on the UCI to act.
Amongst those who have expressed dissatisfaction are the riders’ association CPA.
“Regarding the terrible accident that caused the death of the rider Antoine Demoitié during the Gent-Wevelgem race the CPA and all the riders demand to shed immediately light on the accident and the circumstances that have caused it as well as on any of the responsible involved parties,” it said.
The group’s president Gianni Bugno has elaborated on that. “At this time of sadness and sorrow for the death of Antoine we do not want to make controversy, but we have so much frustration inside.
“We have always stated that the safety of the riders must be in first place in the discussions of the cycling stakeholders and at the last CCP [UCI Professional Cycling Council – ed.] meeting we have specifically asked to communicate quickly the strategies developed recently to improve security during the races.
“I do not want to accuse anyone but make everyone reflect on the responsibility we have to ensure that it is always maintained a very high level of attention, awareness, and control over safety standards during each race.”
The UCI has issued a very brief statement on the matter.
“The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is extremely saddened to learn about the passing of Belgian rider Antoine Demoitié of Wanty-Groupe Gobert,” it said. “The UCI will cooperate with all relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this tragic incident.”
Its president Brian Cookson added to this. “Antoine will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and team.”
However the best tribute to the rider will be to enact clear safety rules and bring about change to make the peloton safer for those racing in it.
In the meantime, many others involved in the sport have communicated their feelings via Twitter.
What sadness news.My deepest condolences to his family, friends & https://t.co/ytlpvyyL5L #Demoitie @GentWevelgem @TeamWantyGobert
— Fabian cancellara (@f_cancellara) March 28, 2016
Condolences to family and friends.R.I.P Antoine Demoitié . no words. Very sad news for cycling.
— fränk schleck (@schleckfrank) March 28, 2016
……… R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/NAeLrXEfLA
— Sacha Modolo (@SachaModolo) March 28, 2016
R.I.P. Antoine Demoitie'. Les plus sinceres condoleances a' sa famille et a' ses amis. Nous sommes avec vous..
— CPA Cycling (@cpacycling) March 28, 2016
Mi mas profundo y sentido pesame para los familiares y amigos de Antoine https://t.co/pWhvVsk5La necesita un control de motos en carrera YA!
— Alberto Contador (@albertocontador) March 28, 2016
The sadness makes me speechless. The feeling that better rules could have avoid that is so painful! RIP Antoine Demoitié
— Manuel Quinziato (@manuelquinziato) March 28, 2016
Too true. https://t.co/cKf7qf2qgF
— Michael Rogers (@mickrogers) March 27, 2016
Would rule capping speed of motorbikes passing group to 15-20km/h faster than group speed solve all these moto/bike incidents?
— Michael Rogers (@mickrogers) March 27, 2016
Waking up to the terrible news of Antonie Demoité. RIP.
— Michael Rogers (@mickrogers) March 28, 2016
Must tragic circumstances be the marker for change? Please @UCI_cycling @cpacycling your riders need you now! pic.twitter.com/nY3yNaS1Cg
— Michael Rogers (@mickrogers) March 28, 2016
2016 vs 1976. Solution is not necessarily to reduce the # of MC's. Maybe speed as @mickrogers suggests? #complicated pic.twitter.com/XFXKicOdqd
— Veloropa (@veloropa) March 28, 2016
Horrible tragic news to wake up to. The cycling family has lost a brother. #RIPAntoine
— Dan Martin (@DanMartin86) March 28, 2016
Motos are a necessity in our sport for both security and media presence. It's their conduct and the direction that needs governance
— Dan Martin (@DanMartin86) March 28, 2016
Passing the peloton on downhills and during crucial moments in a race, when speed is high and fight for position frantic is just not safe
— Dan Martin (@DanMartin86) March 28, 2016
Cap moto speed to 15-20km/h faster than peloton when passing = increased reaction time when unexpected happens https://t.co/bcny0HOJ2Q
— Michael Rogers (@mickrogers) March 28, 2016
R.I.P. Demoitié pic.twitter.com/Tmb5QICZvb
— Team Lampre Merida (@lampre_merida) March 28, 2016
Descanse en paz Antoine Demoitié. Condolencias a su familia y al equipo @TeamWantyGobert
— alejandro valverde (@alejanvalverde) March 28, 2016
Incredibly sad news of the passing Antonie Demoité. I didn't know him, but we are all brothers in this sport. RIP Antonie.
— SamBewley (@SamBewley) March 28, 2016
There are no words for this tragedy…RIP Antoine Demoitié
— Adam Blythe (@AdamBlythe89) March 28, 2016
Horrible news to wake up to. This is not what Belgium needed now! #RIPAntoine
— Kristoffer Skjerping (@kskjerping) March 28, 2016
Absolutely tragic to hear of passing of fellow cyclist! Much strength & deepest condolences to family & loved ones! https://t.co/yZxwnGnGRv
— Ashleigh Moolman (@ashleighcycling) March 28, 2016
No words… Our thoughts go out to family, friends and teammates. RIP Antoine. https://t.co/yRn3M5MNBd
— LottoNLJumbo Cycling (@LottoJumbo_road) March 28, 2016
My heartfelt condolences go out to @TeamWantyGobert and Antoine´s family and friends! Cycling´s world must study these situations, PLEASE!!!
— CARLOS BARREDO (@CARLOSBARREDO) March 28, 2016
I will ride all the races with you in my thoughts! RIP my best friend @DemoitieAntoine :'-(((( pic.twitter.com/0Td7nTm92H
— BilleGaetan (@gaetanbille) March 28, 2016
Following organ donation, @DemoitieAntoine saved 3 others lifes… Hero until the end! ??? #RIPAntoine
— BilleGaetan (@gaetanbille) March 28, 2016
Not to jump on the bandwagon but at this sad time but perhaps rider safety is a problem worth taking as seriously as doping.
— Emma O'Reilly (@Emma_OReilly) March 28, 2016
Thanks for your overwhelming support. The team is touched by all the messages. We will bounce back and #RideForAntoine
— Team Wanty-Gobert (@TeamWantyGobert) March 28, 2016
Tragic news to wake up to. Thoughts to his family and the team. https://t.co/snXi0YbFkU
— Cervélo Bigla (@CerveloBigla) March 28, 2016
Very sad news about A Demoitie this morning.
— nicholas roche (@nicholasroche) March 28, 2016
Horrible news. Deeply saddened. Makes you realise how vulnerable we are. All the strength to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/oMkpR892ck
— Bauke Mollema (@BaukeMollema) March 28, 2016
It feels unreal to read that @DemoitieAntoine didn't survive his crash yesterday. My deepest condolences to his family, friends & teammates.
— Marcel Kittel (@marcelkittel) March 28, 2016
What a tragic day for cycling. Hope change happens so something like this never happens again. RIP Antoine Demoitié.
— Larry Warbasse (@larrywarbasse) March 28, 2016
Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to the family and the team of Antoine Demoitié. We wish them strength in these difficult times.
— Etixx – Quick-Step (@Etixx_QuickStep) March 28, 2016
Terrible to wake up to news of Antoine Demoitie's death. Urgent need for long hard look by @UCI_cycling into this and other recent accidents
— William Fotheringham (@willfoth) March 28, 2016
Woke up to the unbelievably sad and shocking news of Antoine Demoitie. My thoughts to his family and friends.
— Jesse Sergent (@jessesergent) March 28, 2016
Talk means nothing, real changes need to be made NOW and set in place not just talked about!
— Jesse Sergent (@jessesergent) March 28, 2016
UCI created car driving test for team staff/media on races. Why is there no @UCI_cycling licence required by moto riders working in races?
— Cycle Sport (@cyclesportmag) March 28, 2016
It feels unreal to read that @DemoitieAntoine didn't survive his crash yesterday. My deepest condolences to his family, friends & teammates.
— Marcel Kittel (@marcelkittel) March 28, 2016
Our condolences and our thoughts to the family and friends of Antoine Demoitiè. RIP, Antoine.
— Androni Sidermec (@AndroniGiocatto) March 28, 2016
Once again a accident with Moto this should not be possible! No more worlds.. Rip @DemoitieAntoine :(
— Tobias Ludvigsson (@tludvigsson) March 28, 2016
What a sad, sad day for cycling.
— Lawson Craddock (@lawsoncraddock) March 28, 2016
black black day. I CAN NOT believe this. I took this portrait of him only 2 months ago. Super sweet guy #RIPAntoine pic.twitter.com/zSSzzw5fOH
— kristof ramon (@kristoframon) March 27, 2016
Only 2 days ago Antoine Demoitié rode his very first WorldTour race and got in the day’s… https://t.co/2N3A08CCNn
— kristof ramon (@kristoframon) March 28, 2016
Scariest part is I can recall multiple close calls during @VoltaCatalunya with motorbikes speeding way to fast past the peloton.@cpacycling
— Johann van Zyl (@vanSnail) March 28, 2016
8 Weeks ago me and 5 friends were hit frontal at full speed by a SUV. We talk about our lack of shape. Now I read about Antoine……
— Ramon Sinkeldam (@RSinkeldam) March 28, 2016
Ce message devient beaucoup beaucoup trop fréquent. Repose en paix @DemoitieAntoine Courage à sa… https://t.co/0ARTK4pAhD
— Rolland Pierre (@PierroooRolland) March 28, 2016
Sad and horrible news. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. RIP Antoine Demoitié
— michael matthews (@blingmatthews) March 28, 2016
We are deeply shocked about the sad news. Our thoughts go out to Antoine's family, friends & team. https://t.co/uw6KnCjvSC
— Team Giant-Alpecin (@GiantAlpecin) March 28, 2016
When I am at the start of a race, I always wish 'my guys' a good race, stay safe and 'blijf recht.'
Devastating…..devastated
— José Been (@TourDeJose) March 28, 2016
Incredibly sad news this morning. My thoughts with Antoine Demoitié's loved ones and teammates.
— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) March 28, 2016
And now?? @UCI_cycling @BrianCooksonUCI
— Brian Holm (@brianholm1962) March 28, 2016
Still shocked and can not understand what happend yesterday. RIP Antoine Demoitié. My thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates.
— Marcel Sieberg (@MarcelSieberg) March 28, 2016
Racing since more than 20years, crashes happens alot but the last month this motorbike crashes are just horrible #newrules!!!
— Marcel Sieberg (@MarcelSieberg) March 28, 2016
Very sad morning for cycling family. All my condolences and support to family, friends and teammates of Antoine Demoitié, R.I.P.
— Carlos Verona (@Carlos_Verona) March 28, 2016
.@DanMartin86 I agree mate. Less motorbikes, clear rules and ex-cyclist guiding that motorbikes after pass an exam would help, I guess.
— Carlos Verona (@Carlos_Verona) March 28, 2016
@Carlos_Verona @DanMartin86 and speed limit when the motor pass us
— barguil (@WarrenBarguil) March 28, 2016
Professional cycling has been sleepwalking towards another fatality for years. All those incidents, and few changes from its governance
— Andy McGrath (@Andymcgra) March 28, 2016
Even if positive change occurs, it should never take a rider fatality to realise it in the first place
— Andy McGrath (@Andymcgra) March 28, 2016
Such tragic news. RIP Antoine Demoitie. My thoughts and condolences are with your family, friends and teammates.
— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) March 28, 2016
Very sad to read about Antoine Demoitié. Security, safety and selling the sport don't seem to go together; too many obstacles on our roads.
— Stef (@Stefclement) March 28, 2016
A sad day for cycling after the news @TeamWantyGobert. Thoughts go out to the team & family. Safety needs to take priority on the road.
— Tinkoff (@tinkoff_team) March 28, 2016
An incredibly sad day for cycling. We are all vulnerable. More can be done to prevent this from ever happening again. RIP Antoine Demoitié.
— Kiel Reijnen (@Kielreijnen) March 28, 2016
Sad really sad! #RIPAntoineDemoitie my thoughts are with his family frends and team!!
— Gregory Rast (@gregory_rast) March 28, 2016
My heartfelt condolences go out to @TeamWantyGobert and Antoine´s family and friends! Cycling´s world must study these situations, PLEASE!!!
— CARLOS BARREDO (@CARLOSBARREDO) March 28, 2016
Bit of a crappy image but 7 motos around Kuznetsov when he was out front. Just seems a bit excessive pic.twitter.com/G8qtcwzEyl
— Dave IH (@daveih) March 27, 2016
My heart is full of sadness. I just read about Antoine Demoitié who died yesterday racing the #GandWevelgem. My prayers go to his family.
— Michele Acquarone (@micacquarone) March 28, 2016
Horrible news about Antoine Demoitié, 25 and recently married. He was proud on Friday he'd made the break in the E3 https://t.co/IdvQKRblMY
— the Inner Ring (@inrng) March 28, 2016
Just heartbreaking. The worst possible thing to happen to a racer. Struggling to find the words #RIPAntoine https://t.co/r12jbnvy36
— Fran Millar (@franmillar) March 28, 2016
I think it's time for less motorbikes in a race.. or at least a maximum difference in speed to pass the peloton! Fight back @DemoitieAntoine
— Jasper Stuyven (@Jasperstuyven) March 27, 2016
UCI driving test? There's nothing to it, sadly https://t.co/EUKoLaLbYa
(pic: @BrakeThrough) pic.twitter.com/MITcTO9uL9— Rouleur (@rouleurmagazine) March 28, 2016
Shit man, it's bike racing.. People shouldn't be dying. #rip #ghentwevelgem
— Joe Lewis (@JoeLewis1989) March 28, 2016
Flanders Classics wishes to offer its condolences to all family, friends and teammates of Antoine Demoitié. #RIP pic.twitter.com/63vhXHtazQ
— Flanders Classics (@FlandersCLnews) March 28, 2016