The Belgian cyclist Daan Myngheer died on Monday night after suffering a heart attack while competing in the Criterium International.

The 22-year-old became the second Belgian rider to die in as many days following the death of Antoine Demoitié on Sunday after he was hit by a motorbike in the Gent-Wevelgem race.

Myngheer abandoned the opening stage of the three-day Criterium International in Corsica on Saturday and was taken to hospital in Ajaccio, where he died surrounded by his family.

A statement from the Roubaix Lille Metropole team said: “It is with great emotion that we announce the death of Daan Myngheer, the young Belgian rider who joined Roubaix Lille Metropole this year. Daan would have been 23 in a few days and he died doing what he loved most, cycling.

“He lost his last race after struggling as a great champion. He died this Monday, March 28, in the presence of his parents, his sister Fleur Emely and her companion in the hospital of Ajaccio. All our thoughts, sincere will to parents, his sister as well as to the whole family.”

Following news of Myngheer’s passing, Mark Cavendish tweeted: “Such a terribly sad few days in the professional cycling world. Another tragic loss. RIP Daan Myngheer. My thoughts are with your loved ones”