A number of Bjorg’s cycling friends, including Jelle Vanendert, Tiesj Benoot and André Greipel, carried the coffin inside the crowded church. Hundreds of people stayed outside and watched the service on a big screen.
During the ceremony, Bjorg’s parents read letters to their deceased son. “We have experienced so much,” his mother said in tears. “Seen so much, experienced so much, driven so much, travelled. We are so grateful to you, you have given us so much. The emptiness you leave behind is unbearable.”
“This is a big loss,” said Lotto-Soudal team manager Marc Sargeant to Sporza. “It will take a long time before we process it. In any case, Bjorg will stay with us in the team forever.”
Lotto riders raced wearing black wristbands at the ongoing BinckBank Tour, and the peloton will observe a minute’s silence on Wednesday’s stage 3.
