A 56-YEAR-OLD Irish man has died while riding the Tour of Flanders route in Belgium.

The man died yesterday afternoon while riding the amateur route on the Oude Kwaremont, in Kluisbergen. It is believed to be one of the tougher parts of the course.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is providing consular assistance to the family of a man who died in Belgium.

Local news website Nieuwsblad quotes the race organiser Golazo as saying the man was riding the tour in support of his son.

“The victim rode the Tour in support of his son (who) immediately got help from a support team and was subsequently brought directly to his father in the hospital. This tragic incident has put a damper on this anniversary edition of the Tour.”

It is believed the man suffered a heart attack.

Read: Gardaí appeal for help in finding missing woman

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Irishman dies while cycling Tour of Flanders route

Read: Gardaí appeal for help in finding missing woman

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.