Young French cyclist dies while racing in New Caledonia

20-year-old French cyclist Mathieu Riebel has died after colliding with an ambulance while racing for Shell Pacific in the Tour of New Caledonia, L'Equipe reports.

Young French cyclist Mathieu Riebel died racing in New Caledonia (Instagram) Source: Instagram

According to L'Equipe, Riebel was helping teammate Erwan Brenterch back to the peloton on the penultimate stage of the Tour after a mechanical problem when he struck an ambulance coming in the opposite direction on the descent of the Pirogue Pass in Paita, Noumea. 

Riebel died instantly. Brenterch also suffered a broken leg in the tragic incident. 

"It's awful," New Caledonia cycling committee told L'Equipe. "A kid of 20 years... The Tour is over.

"Tomorrow, the peloton will make a tour of Mont-Dore without a race to pay tribute. He was so happy to be here."