Cristian Camilo Muñoz's cause of death confirmed as cycling world pays tribute

On Friday, the cycling world was shaken by the news that Cristian Camilo Muñoz had died at the age of 30. The Colombian rider raced for UAE Emirates from 2019 to 2021, where he was a teammate of Tadej Pogačar and Jasper Philipsen, among others. Both have now paid their respects.

The Colombian Cycling Federation broke the tragic news on Friday. "With deep pain and dismay, the Colombian Cycling Federation and its Executive Committee mourn the death of the talented Boyacá athlete Cristian Camilo Muñoz Lancheros."

Further details about the precise cause of death have since emerged from his team and Colombian outlet El Tiempo. Muñoz crashed at the Tour du Jura, sustaining a knee injury that required around twenty stitches at a medical centre in France. He then travelled with Nu Colombia to Spain for the Vuelta Asturias.

In Spain, his condition deteriorated. He fell ill and was admitted to hospital in Valladolid, where doctors diagnosed a serious infection stemming from the knee wound. Muñoz was placed in an induced coma, and passed away on Friday morning. His medical team confirmed that the bacterial infection was the cause of death.

Compatriot Nairo Quintana (Movistar) dedicated his stage 2 victory at the Vuelta Asturias — a stage Nu Colombia did not start — to Muñoz. Messages of condolence have also been flooding in on social media. UAE Emirates published a tribute to their far too soon departed former rider: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and former colleague Cristian Muñoz. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Descansa en paz Cristian."

Pogačar and Philipsen were teammates of Muñoz at UAE Emirates between 2019 and 2021, and both responded with "Rest in Peace" to the news of his death. Pogačar last raced alongside Muñoz at Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2020 — the same race he is attempting to win this Sunday.