Sad: Top cyclist dies ‘on operating table’ aged 22 after crash

Bjorg Lambrecht has passed away at the age of 22 [Courtesy]

Belgian cyclist Bjorg Lambrecht has died at the age of 22, following a crash during stage three of the Tour de Pologne.

Lambrecht crashed into a concrete culvert approximately 60 miles from the end of the race from Chorzow to Zabrze, as riders battled against heavy rain near the town of Zory.

He was rushed to a Polish hospital in Rybnik by ambulance, where he died during surgery, according to hospital spokesman Michal Sieron.

"The biggest tragedy possible that could happen to the family, friends and team-mates of Bjorg has happened," declared his team, Lotto Soudal.

"Rest in peace."

Lambrecht finished second at the Under-23 World Championships last year and was regarded as one of his country's most promising young riders.

In 2017 he had finished first in the Under-23s version of the prestigious Liege-Bastogne-Liege race.

Back in June he was named the most promising youngster in the Critérium du Dauphiné - traditionally a preparation event for the Tour de France.

An initial statement from the Tour of Poland organisers said: “We’re very sad to report a serious crash for Bjorg Lambrecht of Lotto-Soudal who needed helicopter transport to a hospital following emergency reanimation.

“We’ll report when we know more, but we hope it’s nothing too serious and are wishing fast recovery.”

They later added: "According to unofficial information, doctors managed to bring life functions back to Bjorg Lambrecht (Lotto-Soudal), but his condition didn’t allow for transportation by helicopter.

"He was taken to hospital by ambulance.”