Friends and public figures have paid tribute to Pat Coyle, the Irish cyclist who died during Saturday's Tour of Flanders sportive. Mr Coyle, 56, was riding the event with his 29-year-old son when he collapsed on the Oude Kwaremont of a suspected heart attack.
Mr Coyle was an experienced club cyclist with Shannonside Cycling Club in Athlone, County Westmeath. He was riding the annual Tour of Flanders Cyclo for the 14th time, and fell ill just 25km from the finish line on the cobbled Oude Kwaremont climb.
Access to the Oude Kwaremont was temporarily blocked while medical teams accessed the scene, but they were unable to save him.
Quoted in the Irish Mirror, CEO of Cycling Ireland Geoff Liffey said: "I'd like to extend my deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time."
Independent Longford-Westmeath TD Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said he was "saddened by the news". He added: "Pat was a great man for cycling, he's been cycling all his life.
"He's well known to the community and he was a gentleman, that's for sure."
On the Shannonside Cycling Club's Facebook page, Pat Fox wrote: "Such sad and devastating news. Pat was the heart and soul of cycling in Athlone.
"We spent many great days out taking the youngsters to the races in the ould red bus and the jam buns. We will miss you sorely."
Stephen O' Reilly added: "Lucky to receive many tips and advice from Pat. All questions were welcomed no matter how stupid. Gentleman. Thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."
More than 16,000 amateur cyclists took part in this year's Tour of Flanders Cyclo. 2016 was the 25th edition of the event, which this year saw Belgian participants outnumbered by international visitors for the first time.
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