The cycling world is mourning the loss of another young talent within hours of each other. Bas van Belle, a 24-year-old Dutch cyclist, passed away, following the tragic death of 18-year-old Swiss cyclist Muriel Furrer. The Dutch Cycling Federation, KNWU, announced the unexpected death of van Belle, who was a club cyclist at Wielerploeg Groot Amsterdam. The details surrounding his death are not yet known.
Bas van Belle had previously ridden for the Luxembourg-based Continental team Leopard Pro Cycling in 2019 and 2020 before returning to Wielerploeg Groot Amsterdam. During his time with the team from the Dutch capital, he achieved several top placements in races such as the Tour de Okinawa in Japan, Course Cycliste de Solidarnosc in Poland, and the NK for elite riders without contracts.
His most recent race was at the Ronde van Midden-Brabant, where he finished in 65th place. Bas van Belle was the older brother of Loe van Belle, who currently rides for Visma Lease a Bike, and Lisa, his younger sister, who rides for Proximus-Cyclis CT. Team Visma expressed their deepest condolences to Loe and his family, acknowledging the profound loss they are experiencing.
The cycling community also recently mourned the loss of Muriel Furrer, who tragically passed away at the World Championship in Zurich after a fall and subsequent injuries. The Swiss cyclist succumbed to her injuries in the hospital a day after the accident.
The unexpected deaths of Bas van Belle and Muriel Furrer have cast a shadow over the cycling world, leaving their families, friends, and the entire community in mourning. Their passion for the sport and their talent on the bike will be remembered fondly by all who knew them. The online condolences book set up in memory of Bas van Belle is a testament to the impact he had on those around him, and the outpouring of support reflects the profound loss felt by the cycling community.
