“Cycling was life-extending" - Lieuwe Westra's family reveal he died of a drug overdose

The sad passing of Lieuwe Westra rocked the cycling world in January of this year. Now, for the first time since his death, Westra's family have spoken out.

The former Astana Qazaqstan Team rider suffered for many years with a battle against alcohol, drugs and depression it has been revealed. According to his family, these issues would take a life-altering turn for the worst after Westra witnessed a very bad crash involving his friend, Amy Pieters. “He was greatly affected by that, and from that moment on Lieuwe went downhill,” says childhood friend and former team leader Freddy Haak, who acts as spokesperson for the family, to Omrop Fryslân.

Following this incident, Westra's whole demeanour reportedly changed. So much so that by the time the 40-year-old passed away he was barely on speaking terms with the majority of his family due to his changed attitude that saw him become aggresive.

“Cycling was life-extending for Lieuwe,” says Haak who believes Westra's addiction to bike riding kept the demons of his other addictions at bay.