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Teenage cycling star killed in shocking mid-race accident

The cycling community has been rocked by the tragic death of a 19-year-old rider during a race.

Stef Loos died after he was hit by a van during the Alfred Gadenne Grand Prix in Belgium.

The 19-year-old was one of three riders involved in the accident, and died in hospital afterwards.

Jef Roberts, Chairman of Loos’ Acrog-Pauwels Sauzen-Balen team, said: “Very tragic news. Our rider Stef Loos, a promising rider with the team, was the victim of a severe accident.

“Together with two other riders, Stef was hit by a van and suffered serious injuries.”

Stef Loos. Image: Twitter
Stef Loos. Image: Twitter

Roberts said a group of riders were sent in the wrong direction by an official before colliding with the van.

“A group of three riders was sent incorrectly by a signalman,” he said.

“At a crossroads that wasn’t secured, they were driven into the side by a van.”

According to reports, the riders were sent straight when the course veered right.

They then rode towards an unguarded intersection, where the crash occurred.

Robert added: “Stef had been with us for years and was very popular.”

Ruben Apers and Jonas Bresseleers were the other riders involved in the accident.

Apers suffered several fractures in his thigh and collarbone.

Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws reports police have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.