Belgian rider Michael Goolaerts dies of heart attack in Paris-Roubaix

Belgian cyclist Michael Goolaerts has died in hospital after suffering a heart attack during Sunday's Paris-Roubaix cycling classic, his team said in a statement. He was 23 years old.

"It is with unimaginable sadness that we have to communicate the passing of our rider and friend Michael Goolaerts. He passed away on Sunday evening at 22.40 in Lille Hospital in the presence of his family members and loved ones, who we keep in our thoughts," said his team, Veranda's Willems-Crelan, on Twitter.

"He died of cardiac arrest, all medical assistance was to no avail."

Goolaert was rushed to hospital after receiving CPR treatment on the side of the road after a crash. The rider was found unconscious by race doctors.