'That is impossible. Not you' - 21-year-old nephew of Sep Vanmarcke dies after being struck by a driver while training

The cycling world mourns the tragic loss of Milan Bral, the 21-year-old nephew of former professional Sep Vanmarcke, who died after being struck by a driver during a training ride. Bral, a promising young talent, was reportedly preparing for the prestigious Gent-Wevelgem Under-23 race in May, a significant stepping stone in any young rider's career. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the Belgian cycling community and beyond.

This devastating incident sadly adds another name to the growing list of cyclists killed or seriously injured by motorists, underscoring the persistent and perilous safety issues faced by riders on public roads. For a sport so reliant on outdoor training, these tragedies highlight the stark reality that the road, for many, is becoming an increasingly dangerous workplace. The emotional impact on families, like the Vanmarckes, and the wider peloton is immeasurable.

Another young life, another promising career extinguished too soon, not by the demands of the sport, but by the indifference of the road. When will the peloton finally be afforded the respect and safety it deserves?