Gran Fondo Hincapie Bentonville, September 7th - Register Now!
United States | Midwest | Arkansas >> Former pro cyclist Chris Sorensen dies after being hit by a Van in Belgium

Former pro cyclist Chris Sorensen dies after being hit by a Van in Belgium

Cycling superstar Chris Anker Sorensen has died aged just 37 after being struck by a van while on a ride, whilst commentating at the World Championships for Danish TV

Former pro cyclist Chris Sorensen dies after being hit by a Van in Belgium

Former pro cyclist Chris Anker Sorensen was killed in a road accident on the sidelines of the world championships in Belgium on Saturday.

The former pro was in Belgium on commentary duty for Danish television forthe World Championships.

He was rushed to hospital but later died of his injuries suffered in the horrific crash yesterday.

The 37-year-old, who won a stage of the Giro d'Italia in 2010, was in Belgium to report on the championships which started on Sunday.

In his riding career, Sorensen competed for the CSC, Saxo Bank and Tinkoff teams.

As well as winning the eighth stage of the 2010 Giro, he captured the sixth stage of the 2008 Criterium du Dauphine and was Danish national champion in 2015.

Sorensen retired from racing in 2018 after a successful career, mostly with the team Bjarne Riis.

The Race World Championship organisers said in a statement: "Flanders 2021 and the UCI are saddened by the news that former rider Chris Anker Sørensen has passed in a traffic accident.

"Chris attended the 2021 UCI Road World Championships while working as an analyst for Danish television. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones."

"Words can’t express my sadness to hear of the tragic passing of former professional cyclist and journalist, Chris Anker Sørensen. To the family, friends and Danish Cycling, my deepest sympathies for this terrible loss," said UCI President David Lappartient.

"Chris Anker Sørensen was one of us. Road violence took him away too soon," the CPA added. "We are astonished, sad and angry. We embrace his loved ones in this moment of unspeakable sorrow."