Young Dutch cyclist Mark Groeneveld passed away after a sudden heart attack

The cycling world is mourning the death of young Dutch cyclist Mark Groeneveld. The Dutchman - who competed for the continental Canadian cycling team XSpeed United - collapsed in public on the night from Sunday to Monday, most likely due to a heart attack. Medical assistance was of no further use. Groeneveld was only twenty years old.

Groeneveld raced in Hong Kong last Sunday. The young Dutchman was at the start of the Hong Kong Cyclothon, a UCI road race of 1.1 level. Groeneveld dropped out early in that race due to equipment failure. His team XSpeed United said in a statement that his death was not race-related.

XSpeed United is of course shocked by the death of its rider. "Mark was an incredible individual and a cherished member of our team. He had a remarkable spirit, always ready to lend a hand behind the scenes with his infectious smile and warm-hearted nature. His presence brightened our days, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him."

"The team is shocked and upset. The riders are close. We provide guidance for his teammates," the spokesperson for X-Speed United Continental told Noordhollands Dagblad.