Milan Bral (21) dies after training accident — another devastating blow for the cycling world

So soon after the death of Cristian Camilo Muñoz, the cycling world has been struck by tragedy again. Milan Bral, 21 years old, died on Saturday evening after being hit by a car during a training ride earlier that afternoon. The Belgian talent raced for Dovy Keukens–FCC Cycling Team and was also the nephew of former professional Sep Vanmarcke.

The accident happened in Ronse. At around 13:15, the rider from Anzegem was struck by a car at a junction. He was taken directly to intensive care, but died at around 22:30 that night.

Dovy Keukens–FCC Cycling Team, who compete at the fourth level of the sport, responded to the news on Facebook. "With great sadness, we must say goodbye to our rider and teammate Milan Bral. After his serious accident during training this afternoon, he was sadly unable to win his fight. He passed away in hospital, surrounded by those he loved."

"Milan was so much more than a rider to us. He was a wonderful person, a true teammate, someone who was always there for others and who had a warm, important place in our team. He was loved by everyone and will be deeply missed. Milan will always be a part of our team. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone who loved him. We wish them all the strength and warmth they need in this incredibly difficult time."

Bral came from a genuine cycling family. His uncle, Sep Vanmarcke, had a decorated career as a rider — winning the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, finishing second at Paris-Roubaix and twice third at the Tour of Flanders. Since retiring as a rider, he has moved into team management, and currently works as a directeur sportif at Soudal Quick-Step. His brother Ken holds the same role at EF Education-EasyPost.

Bral shared his family's talent for the Classics. Earlier this spring he raced the Mur de Huy Classic — the U23 equivalent of La Flèche Wallonne. His younger brother Xibe (18) is also a cyclist. At the time of the accident, Milan had reportedly been on his way to watch Xibe compete at the GP Dries Devenyns.