Egyptian cyclist dies during track race

The opening day of the African Track Cycling Championships was cut short in Durban on Monday after a 22-year-old Egyptian rider collapsed and died.

While participating in the elite men’s omnium-tempo race, according to event hosts Cycling South Africa (CSA), Eslam Nasser Zaki fell off his bicycle.

Though medics were on hand to render emergency medical assistance, after prolonged attempts to resuscitate him, he was declared dead and the rest of the day’s racing was suspended.

“CSA expresses its deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the family and teammates of Eslam Nasser Zaki,” the federation said in a statement. Every effort is being made to assist the Egyptian cycling team during this very tragic period.”

The four-day continental championships was scheduled to end on Thursday. Organisers, however, had set aside Friday as a potential fifth day of competition to cater for any delays or postponements in the programme.

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