Cycling world hit by tragic double blow

The cycling world has been reeling from a devastating double blow as rising Belgian star Milan Bral and Colombian rider Cristian Camilo Muñoz tragically lost their lives.

Young belgian talent cut down in prime

21-year-old Bral, touted as one of cycling's bright young hopes, was struck and killed by a vehicle while training in Renaix, Belgium last Saturday, his team Dovy Keukens-FCC confirmed.

Bral's promising start to the season included a seventh-place finish in the Poperinge time trial and 33rd in the Clásica de Huy. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the peloton.

Local media report the police have yet to confirm the exact circumstances of the accident.

Tragedy struck again just a day later, with Colombian rider Cristian Camilo Muñoz also succumbing to injuries sustained in a separate incident.

Bral's family and loved ones, including his uncle Sep Vanmarcke, a former pro and current director at Soudal Quick-Step, have been left reeling from the loss.

In a poignant Instagram post, Vanmarcke recalled their final moments together, lamenting that he could have spent more time with his nephew before he died. 'I keep remembering. Maybe that car would've been gone by the time you got to the intersection,' he wrote. 'Or maybe I could've ridden with you a bit more. Too busy, but now I wish I had that extra time with you.'

'Milan, we'll do everything we can to help Moeke, the brothers, Paulien and the family,' Vanmarcke concluded, 'I'm so proud of you. Happy to have known you for 21 years. I love you. Never forget you.'