Michael Goolaerts dies after cardiac arrest during Paris-Roubaix

Belgian cyclist Michael Goolaerts has died in hospital after suffering a heart attack during Sunday's Paris-Roubaix race, his team have announced.

The 23-year-old was airlifted to hospital after being found on the floor unconscious and not breathing about 100km into the 257km race.

Goolaerts' team, Veranda Willems-Crelan, released a statement on Twitter on Sunday night saying: "It is with unimaginable sadness that we have to communicate the passing of our rider and friend Michael Goolaerts.

"He passed away Sunday evening at 22:40 in Lille hospital in the presence of his family members and loved ones, who we keep in our thoughts.

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

"For now there will be no further communication as we want to give his close ones time to deal with this terrible loss. We thank you in advance for respecting the privacy of his relatives."

Nairo Quintana, a previous winner of the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta, tweeted: "Upset about the death of Michael Goolaerts today in #ParisRoubaix. Strength to his family, friends and team."

Fabian Cancellara, a three-time winner of Paris-Roubaix, wrote on social media: "Terrible news.... RIP Michael Goolaerts. My deep condolences going to his family, friends, and Teammates and the @Snipercycling crew."

Alberto Contador, twice winner of the Tour de France, wrote on Twitter: "My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Michael Goolaerts, since the end of the race I have not stopped thinking about him."

Goolaerts was taking part in a race dubbed the 'Hell of the North' because of the difficult terrain it covers when he was involved in the crash.

David Lappartient, president of the Union Cycliste Internationale, expressed the organisation's sadness at the tragic news.

He tweeted: "On behalf of the International Cycling Union and the cycling family as a whole, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family, team and loved ones of Michael Goolaerts, who left too early today. We share their immense sadness."

Lance Armstrong was also among those to express his condolences.

He tweeted: "Truly awful news. Words can't express my deepest condolences to Michael Goolaerts' family, teammates, and friends. May he RIP."