Belgian cyclist Antoine Demoitie has died in hospital after getting hit by a motorbike during the Gent-Wevelgem race.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Wanty-Groupe Gobert this year, was rushed to hospital in Lille but was later pronounced dead by French police.

The race had reached northern France when several riders were knocked off their bikes in a crash, and amid the pile up Demoitie was hit by a motorbike.

Police spokesman Frederic Evrard has confirmed that an inquiry has been launched "to determine the circumstances" of the fatal incident, according to BBC Sport.

Current world road race champion Peter Sagan won the 243km race.