The Kuipke velodrome in Gent, Belgium began its Six Day race by paying tribute to the late Dimitri De Fauw. The Belgian tragically took his own life earlier this month after suffering years of depression following a horrific accident in the very same race three years ago.
De Fauw collided with Spaniard Isaac Gálvez, who at the time was a sprinter for the Caisse d’Epargne-Illes Balears ProTour team. Gálvez died from the injuries sustained, and sadly, De Fauw was unable to come to terms with his death.
Sport in Gent’s Christophe Peeters called De Fauw “an undeniable talent” before teary-eyed crowds, highlighting the exciting racing the Belgian brought to Kuipke.
“How can we celebrate [De Fauw] better than with a standing ovation?”
Peeters words were met by a deafening applause, while photographs of De Fauw competing in the velodrome were projected on a screen.
De Fauw was 28-years-old.