The world of cycling is mourning the death of Lieuwe Westra, who passed away at age 40 after a long battle with depression. Westra was a successful Dutch cyclist who achieved remarkable heights in the sport, most notably runner-up to Bradley Wiggins in the 2012 Paris-Nice.
His mark on the cycling world will not be forgotten and he will be remembered for many years to come. Our thoughts are with his family and close friends during this difficult time.
How did Lieuwe Westra die?
The news of ex-cyclist Lieuwe Westra’s passing was confirmed by his biographer Thomas Sijtsma on Sunday morning. Westra, who retired citing depression at the start of 2017, had endured a difficult few years since then including divorce and selling the cycling hotel he developed with his former wife. His death in Zwaagdijk, Netherlands on Saturday is still being investigated to discover the cause. R.I.P., Lieuwe Westra– “beast” and all.
What was Lieuwe Westra cause of death ?
Cause of death was confirmed by his biographer as a result of depression which had plagued him for many years. Westra was an unrelenting cyclist, earning the nickname ‘the Beast’, with successes such as the Paris-Nice in 2012 and having worked for both Astana and Vacansoleil-DMC. His body was found at on Saturday near Enkhuizen, Netherlands and the Dutch media released a new cover in his honor. Many are mourning the beloved athlete’s passing and numerous condolences have come pouring in from around the world.
Who was Lieuwe Westra?
Lieuwe Westra was a renowned Dutch professional racing cyclist, known for his many successes with the KrolStonE Continental Team, Vacansoleil–DCM, and Astana teams between 2006 and 2016. In 2012, he made history in the Paris-Nice UCI World Tour race by coming in second place and taking first on the queen stage to Mende. This arduous uphill sprint featured a 3 km (1.9 mi) long Côte de la Croix-Neuve-Montée Laurent Jalabert at an average gradient of 10.1%.Westra encapsulated the hearts of many spectators that day as he propelled ahead of race leader Bradley Wiggins within the last kilometer in spite of not being able to stay ahead despite free wheeling through the finish line.
Lieuwe Westra Professional caree
Dutchman Lieuwe Westra, a professional cyclist and former member of Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team, passed away at the age of 40 in Before his untimely passing, Westra had won a variety of cycling events, including the time trial in the 2007 OZ Wielerweekend 1st Stage 2, the 2014 Volta a Catalunya Stage 7, the Combativity award for Stage 5 in the 2014 Tour de France, and 2016 Three Days of De Panne. His victory in the time trial would help him to seal his victory and earn himself the leader’s jersey which he would not relinquish. Soon after this victory however, Westra announced his retirement on Facebook in January 2017 and thanked those who have supported him over the years before taking down this post shortly after. Nevertheless, Westra was able to leave an impressive legacy behind before suffering from depression which eventually led to his death.
Tributes pours in to Lieuwe Westra death
Lieuwe Westra (40) falleció el sábado por la tarde. El ex ciclista peleó consigo mismo en los últimos años y perdió.😭
— Aleix Serra (@chiodi17) January 15, 2023
Descansa en paz! 💫 pic.twitter.com/TYqLbYqlDP
Another wrote
I will cherish our rides together! Dikke knuf!
user wrote
you were amazing you will be missed buddy
