British cyclist, 40, dies whilst racing alongside Chelsea legend Eden Hazard during iconic Majorca race
A BRITISH cyclist has died during a cycling race in Majorca – with Eden Hazard among the shocked participants.
The 40-year-old was taking part in the Mallorca 312, an amateur road race which runs around the island and finishes in Playa de Muro.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday morning, with ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid star Hazard taking part in the famous event.
The victim is said to have fallen off his bike and gone into cardiac arrest on the road between Esporles and Valldemossa.
Medical responders tried to revive him and he was taken by ambulance to the island capital Palma.
But the unnamed rider passed away before arriving at the nearby Rotger Clinic.
An investigation into the incident, led by the Civil Guard, has been launched.
The full statement from the event organisers about the British man’s death said: “Mallorca 312 OK Mobility deeply regrets the death of a participant during the celebration of the event after suffering a fall.
“We want to offer our most sincere condolences to the rider’s family and loved ones.
“We have already made ourselves available to offer them all the support they need at these difficult moments. Rest in peace.”
Cycling enthusiasts expressed their sorrow about the tragedy on social media.
Neil Sibley wrote: “Such sad and horrible news on what should be such an enjoyable day.”
David Wilkins added: “Very sad news. RIP. As someone who had completed it for the last two years, this news is close to my heart.”
A Brazilian participant in the event, Rodrigo Carrera, said: “I passed when they were doing CPR. Sad. Condolences to family and friends.”
Paul Renton added: “So sad. Thoughts and prayers go to the family.”
It’s not the first time tragedy has struck the cycling community on the island this year, with an Irish tourist killed on the roads earlier this month.
The 59-year-old is said to have come off his bike after “collapsing” on a road in Pollensa.
We want to offer our most sincere condolences to the rider’s family and loved ones
Mallorca 312
It followed Scot tourist Graeme McGilvray, 49, from Glasgow, who died in March 2016 after being knocked off his bike by a lorry.
And in September 2023, a 45-year-old British cyclist was seriously injured after being hit by a lorry on the island.
He fell more than 30 feet down an embankment at the side of the road after being run over.
Hazard, 34, announced his retirement from football in October 2023.
He said as he crossed the finishing line: “Very hard and my legs are really hurting but it was very good.
“The first part was okay but the last 25 kilometres were impossible.
“I have to train a little more and lose a little bit of weight and then it will be perfect.”