A promising Belgian rider has died in his sleep at the age of 20. Bjarne Vanacker, who rode for the Trek-Segafredo development team, EFC-L&R-Vulsteke, was ‘destined to become a pro’ according to the team’s manager.
According to Michel Pollentier, Vanacker was found dead on Monday morning. The cause of his death is unknown.
Goed renner, goede vriend, veel talent, eindeloze grinta….we gaan je missen @bjarnevanacker #ripbjarne pic.twitter.com/iVJijMuPsb
— EFC-L&R-VULSTEKE (@EFC_LR_VULSTEKE) November 6, 2017
Pollentier told Het Nieuwsblad that the team had been unaware of any heart problems and screened their riders annually.
A post mortem is being carried out today.
Vanacker finished 10th in the Belgian under-23 time trial this year, 20th in the under-23 Paris-Roubaix and 15th in the under-23 Tour of Lombardy.

1 thought on “Young Belgian rider who was ‘destined to become a pro’ died in his sleep”
Very sad.
Very sad.