Former Doltcini-Van Eyck manager Marc Bracke dies aged 53

 Doltcini-Van Eyck team rider in 2019
Doltcini-Van Eyck team rider in 2019

Former cycling team manager Marc Bracke has died at the age of 53.

Bracke was the team manager of the former Doltcini-Van Eyck women's cycling team. The Belgian UCI women's team began as Lares-Waowdeals in 2016 and ended with title sponsors Doltcini-Van Eyck-Proximus in 2021.

"It is with great sadness that Doltcini Sportswear also receives the news of the death of Marc Bracke," Doltcini Sportswear wrote in a public statement Tuesday.

"Marc worked closely with our clothing company as a former team manager of Doltcini-Van Eyck Proximus CT for several years.

"We wish his family, and in particular, his partner, friends and acquaintances, a lot of strength at Marc's passing. Rest in peace."

Bracke had not worked within the sport since partway through 2021.

The UCI announced on October 9, 2020, that its Ethics Commission determined that Bracke had violated the Code of Ethics following formal complaints of harassment alleged by two female riders.

The sport governing body then announced on June 23, 2021, that its Disciplinary Commission handed a three-year suspension to Bracke.

Bracke had denied the allegations and stated that he would attempt to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Bracke was not eligible to return to the sport until June of 2024.

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