Majorca, Spain
A 40-year-old British cyclist passed away after a tragic incident during the Mallorca 312 amateur road race held on Saturday. Former Chelsea and Real Madrid football star Eden Hazard was reportedly among the participants in the event, which covers a significant distance around the island and concludes in Playa de Muro.
The fatality occurred on Saturday morning. According to initial reports, the cyclist fell from his bike on the route between Esporles and Valldemossa and subsequently went into cardiac arrest.
Emergency medical teams provided immediate assistance at the scene, attempting to revive the rider. He was then transported by ambulance towards the island`s capital, Palma. However, he sadly died before reaching the nearby Rotger Clinic.
Authorities, led by the Civil Guard, have initiated an investigation to determine the precise circumstances and cause of the accident.
The organizers of the Mallorca 312 event issued a statement expressing their profound sorrow. “Mallorca 312 OK Mobility deeply regrets the death of a participant during the celebration of the event after suffering a fall,” their statement read. “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.”
News of the tragedy prompted an outpouring of sympathy from the cycling community on social media, with many expressing sadness and offering condolences to the family.
This incident marks another tragedy for the cycling community on the island this year. Earlier this month, a 59-year-old Irish tourist died in Pollensa after reportedly collapsing and falling from his bike. In March 2016, Scottish tourist Graeme McGilvray, 49, from Glasgow, was fatally injured when struck by a lorry. Additionally, in September 2023, a 45-year-old British cyclist sustained serious injuries when hit by a lorry, resulting in a significant fall down an embankment.
Eden Hazard, who retired from professional football in October 2023 at the age of 34, completed the challenging race. Speaking after crossing the finish line, he commented on the difficulty, stating his legs were “really hurting” especially in the final section, but acknowledged it was “very good.” He humorously added that he needed “to train a little more and lose a little bit of weight” for future events.
