Ronny Raeymakers has been named as the rider who died of heatstroke while competing in last week’s Cape Epic.
He was 51.
Raeymakers, who is from Essen in Antwerp Province in Belgium, started Stage 3 last Wednesda when he became ill.
He was taken to hospital in Cape Town, but died on Monday with his family at his side.
Raeymakers formed a two-man team with Ben Elst.
The pair were entered in the Grand Masters category for over 50s in the eight-day race in the Western Cape.
A self-employed carpenter by trade, Raeymakers leaves behind a wife and two stepdaughters.
Organisers confirmed a fatality
After rubbishing reports of multiple deaths among entrants in this year’s Cape Epic, organisers of the race on Monday confirmed the fatality of an unnamed rider.
Riders experienced brutal temperatures during the early stages of this year’s race which concluded in Lourensford on Sunday.
Riders had to cope with the sweltering conditions in the Cape Winelands of the popular mountain bike race.
On Wednesday, during Stage 3 into Paarl, riders faced near 50-degree heat, which led to organisers shortening the stage.
A number of riders were taken to hospital both during and after the stage because of the heat, but the Cape Epic confirmed – at the time – that none of the those taking part had died.
A statement curiously read that that there had been ‘no rider fatalities during this year’s race’.
Multiple riders as well as spectators who reached out to The South African website claimed that there was insufficient – or no – water at water points.
‘Transported to hospital’
“Due to extreme heat conditions on Wednesday, a decision was made in consultation with and under the advisement of the Event Medical Director and local authorities to halt the shortened Stage 3 as at 2.36pm local time,” the Cape Epic organisers said in a statement.
“Prior to halting the stage, the team had already implemented earlier start times and a shortened Stage, as well as deploying additional water and ice at the water points to mitigate the higher than normal temperatures.
“There have been no rider fatalities during this year’s race. Extractions from the course is consistent with stages in prior years that had similar conditions, with a small number of riders being transported to hospital for further monitoring and treatment.
“Rider safety remains the utmost priority and the Cape Epic Team will continue to monitor conditions closely throughout the week and remain in close consultation with local authorities and the Event Medical Director should there be any required changes to the race.”
The South African website extends its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased rider.
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