The Belgian Cycling Federation announced on Saturday the death of Miel Dekien, an 18-year-old junior cyclist who competed in road cycling and cyclo-cross.
In a message on social media, the federation expressed condolences to his family and his team, Air Collefa – B-concept.
Dekien died as a passenger in a car accident in Beerst, in the municipality of Diksmuide (West Flanders), according to several Dutch-speaking media outlets. Another 18-year-old also died in the accident.
Dekien was set to join the Basso Team Flanders in 2025, which conveyed their "sincere condolences to his family and friends."
This season, Dekien finished fourth in the GP Bob Jungels and competed in the Koppenberg cross for U23 riders last weekend.
