Former cyclist dies at 40

Former Tour de France star Lieuwe Westra has died at the age of 40, Report informs, citing The Sun.

The Dutchman passed away on Saturday after being found unresponsive at his business premises in Zwaagdijk, Holland.

CPR was performed on him, but he was unable to be resuscitated.

The cyclist's biographer Thomas Sijtsma confirmed the news last night as a host of tributes soon poured in for the late ace.

Westra was nicknamed the "The Beast" during his impressive career.

He retired with 13 wins on his palmarres in January 2017. Westra was due to race for Wanty-Gobert that year but instead abruptly announced that he was calling time on his career aged 34.