Kuurne in mourning for the death of cyclist Frederiek Nolf
The cycling season has started with sad news. Last Thursday cyclist Frederiek Nolf was found dead in his Doha hotel room, hours before the start ot the fifth stage of the Tour of Qatar. The 21-year-old Nolf was found dead by his roommate Kristof Goddaert. He died Wednesday night in his sleep. It was his first race of the season in his second year as a professional in his team Topsport Vlaanderen. His team director said, holding back tears : we had dinner together last night, he was absolutely fine, he was jooking and in a good mood. The team has quit Qatar and is back in Belgium. His team manager has told Belgium television that each rider on the team is tested every four months for doping and Nolf was drug free. Next Tuesday Frederiek would become 22. Frederiek lived in my village Kuurne. I knew him and also his mother. His death has shocked the whole village. This is such a tragedy. I feel so sorry for Frederiek who died so young and for his parents. Frederiek was their only son and they lived for him. The Tour of Qatar ended so sadly. Tom Boonen who won the Tour said that he will never forget this Tour. He has won but there is no joy. Every rider in Qatar is deeply shocked. Tom did not knew him so well, but as a young rider, he contacted Tom regular to ask him advice. The body of Frederiek is still in Qatar and he will return to Belgium next Thursday. This is very painful for his parents. His mother wants to see him so badly and touch him for the last time. So sad, so sad ...

Very sad indeed, Marthe. Such deaths are so sudden and shocking, there are no words of comfort. His parents are in my thoughts. :hug

That's so sad. I can't even try to imagine how Frederiek Nolf's parents must be feeling right now.

Marthe - I know how important this is to you and your village. I'm so sorry to hear of this tragedy. His parents will surely need a lot of support from their friends right now. :hug to you and to them.

Thanks girls for your kind words. If everything goes well, the mortal remains of Frederiek will be in Belgium tomorrow. Oh I hate that word. His parents have decided not to perform an autopsy, out of respect for Frederiek. They told that he has died peaceful, on a natural way and that it is time to leave him in peace. Here are some pictures of our loving Frederiek :

How very,very sad,Marthe. What a handsome young man,and beautiful smile. Your village has sustained a great loss,and his family is certainly wished our heartfelt sympathies.

I am sorry to hear this news marthe. Condolences to your community and his family. GinaP

Thank you girls for sympathizing with me. Tomorrow is the funeral of poor Frederiek. The mayor of Kuurne expects a lot of people from all over Belgium. The memorial service is at 10 o'clock. The police will conduct the automobiles to the parking accomodations. At 9 o'clock there is the possibility in the town-hall to bring Frederiek a last salute ... This is so sad ...

Events like this seem to hit small communities harder because everyone has some connection to the deceased. I hope all goes well for his family and the other mourners.