CAPE TOWN - An Egyptian cyclist died while competing in the African Continental Track Cycling Championships in Durban on Monday.
Hosts of the event, Cycling South Africa, announced in a statement that Eslam Nasser Zaki was riding in the Elite Men’s Omnium-Tempo race on Monday when he fell off his bicycle at the Cyril Geoghegan Track.
Zaki was immediately attended to by emergency medics, but after “prolonged attempts” to resuscitate him, the 22-year-old was declared dead on the scene.
“Cycling South Africa expresses its deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the family and teammates of Eslam Nasser Zaki. Every effort is being made to assist the Egyptian Cycling Team during this very tragic period.”
The third edition of the African Continental Track Cycling Championships was initially scheduled to take place in Egypt, but was moved to Durban as the original venue wasn’t ready.
The event started on Monday, and is set to continue until Thursday.