Danish former professional cyclist Chris Anker Sorensen has died aged 37 after being hit by a vehicle in Belgium.
The 2010 Giro d’Italia stage winner retired from professional cycling in 2018.
Sorensen was set to commentate on the Road World Championships, which begin in Flanders on Sunday.
The International Cycling Union (UCI) confirmed the news and released a statement expressing their condolences: “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at the Danish Cycling Federation.”
According to TV 2 Sport director Frederik Lauesen, Sorensen - who had turned 37 on September 5 - died after being struck by a van driver in Zeebrugge.
Sorensen was an impressive climber and racer, winning a stage of the Criterium du Dauphine in 2008 as well as stage 8 of the Giro d’Italia in 2010.
He retied in 2018 after a successful career saw him turn professional with CSC and remaining through its various evolutions as Saxo Bank - who he led at the 2012 Tour de France - and Tinkoff-Saxo.
Sorensen moved to Pro Continental team Fortuneo-Vital Concept in 2016 and ended his career with Danish Continental outfit Riwal before moving into commentary with TV 2 Sport.
UCI president David Lappartient and the organisers of the upcoming World Championships led the tributes to Sorensen.
“Words can’t express my sadness to hear of the tragic passing of former professional cyclist and journalist, Chris Anker Sorensen,” Lappartient said. “To the family, friends and [Danish cycling] my deepest sympathies for this terrible loss.”
Road World Championships officials said: “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.”
The elite men's individual time trial is set to start at nearby Bruges on Sunday.
