(BRAIN) — UK industry professional Nils Amelinckx, who helped establish the cycling side of Lyon Equipment, died Tuesday after a 6½-year battle with cancer.
Amelinckx, who at age 30 was diagnosed with incurable stage-four bowel cancer, started at Lyon Equipment in 2012 as a customer service rep, then moved into account management and grew the cycling side of the business into its own entity, Lyon Cycle.
He also created Rider Resilience, a nonprofit community interest company promoting the use of the bicycle, including adaptive bikes, as medicine to withstand any hardships.
No information on funeral arrangements was announced. Amelinckx is survived by wife Laura and their two children, Lotte and Leo.
"Nils has been an inspiration to us all at Lyon, both as a colleague and personal friend," said Jonathan Capper, Lyon Equipment managing director. "His fortitude and can-do attitude dealing with the worst that life can throw at you has humbled every one of us. Nils made me realize that growing old is a privilege. If I am ever asked for the definition of resilience, I will simply say, 'Nils Amelinckx.'"
Amelinckx also contributed stories and photography for Singletrack Magazine, Mountain Biking UK, Mountain Bike Rider, and others.
One of his last wishes was for a GoFundMe campaign to be established for his family.
