Peloton pays tribute to Bjorg Lambrecht

The cycling world stopped to pay tribute to Bjorg Lambrecht after the passing of the 22-year-old Belgian rider during Stage 3 of the Tour of Poland.

Lotto Soudal stop for a moment's silence at the conclusion of a neutralised Stage 4 of the Tour of Poland to pay tribute to the passing of Bjorg Lambrecht Source: Getty

Stage 4 of the Tour of Poland was a muted affair, cut to a shorter course with fewer laps of the finishing circuit.

Rather than a finishing banner, riders passed beneath a sign that bore Lambrecht's name, with Lotto Soudal stopping for a moment's silence at the conclusion of the stage.

The race route was reduced from 173 kilometres to 135 kilometres, with the final ultra-steep ascent originally planned substituted by a more sedate climb. The teams didn't race after an agreement with organisers to neutralise the stage and instead took the front of the peloton in team blocks, riding at a slow tempo.

Race organisers also toned down the usually flamboyant post and pre-race presentations, with a more muted commentary in respect to the passing of Lambrecht. Logos of the Tour de Pologne on the TV screen, also usually in fluorescent yellow, were changed to black.

The tributes at the race were echoed by the cycling community around the world as professional riders, media and teams conveyed their grief and condolences for the relatives, friends and team-mates of Lambrecht.

Lambrecht was considered one of the brightest young talents in the sport, taking top results in the Under-23 ranks and making his impact at Elite level with finishes just off the podium at the Ardennes classics.