Chris Anker Sorensen dead at 37: Tributes paid to cycling star killed after being struck by car while out on ride
CYCLING star Chris Anker Sorensen has died aged just 37 after being struck by a van while on a ride.
The Danish rider was out in Belgium preparing for the Road World Championships in Flanders when the incident happened.
He was rushed to hospital but later died of his injuries suffered in the horrific crash yesterday.
The International Cycling Union spokesman said: “It is a tragic loss.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at the Danish Cycling Federation.”
, he was a much-loved commentator in Denmark now after stepping away from full-time racing.
TV 2 Sport director Frederik Lauesen – where Sorensen now worked – added: “It is with great sadness that I have received the news that our good colleague Chris Anker Sørensen is dead.
“Mr Sorensen was in Belgium for the World Cycling Championships.
“Today, Saturday, he was out cycling and was hit by a car, and he later died of his injuries.
“Our thoughts and deep sympathy go to Chris Anker Sorensen’s family.”
Sorensen retired from racing in 2018 after a successful career, mostly with the team Bjarne Riis.
He was a talented climber and stage racer and won stage 8 in the Giro d’Italia in a landmark victory.
He went on to lead team Saxo Bank at the 2012 Tour De France.
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.”