Thomas Demolder
Date: 19.09.2025
Hey André,
During the Tour of Austria, I was there (with Karel) as a soigneur. It was incredibly easy to work with you because of the gratitude you always showed. You often showed it with a smile and a look; it was typical of you—few words, but surprising everyone. The day before the accident, it was a difficult stage, and after the race, everyone wanted candy to refuel. All the candy was gone (or we'd forgotten), but we did have chocolate "prince" cookies for the staff. You asked for candy, and we gave you the "prince" cookies so we could eat something on the way to the hotel. After a 20-minute drive, we arrived at the hotel, and the entire package of cookies was gone. You clearly enjoyed them and joked that we should have these cookies instead of candy next time. We joked some more, and after chatting, you went to rest in your room, and I continued working. That was our last real conversation. I still think back to that moment often. The next day we probably quickly wished all the riders 'good luck' and the ride began...
At the top of the Hochtor after the Grossglockner alpine pass, I saw you during feeding. You were just behind the leading group, alone, but still far ahead of the peloton. You radiated strength and hadn't given up on riding back to the front. I called out, "Sports drink bottle or Musette with food," and you asked for the bottle. I gave it to you, and even during your full exertion, you nodded as a sign of gratitude. A sign of class. What followed was a hell of uncertainty.
When we returned to the accident scene in October with your parents and a few companions from the team, we got more clarity on the facts. We could appreciate how beautiful the nature was there. Beautifuel but also rough and merciless. A large eagle even flew over us during the ceremony around your memorial stone. The Alps have absorbed you into their alpine summits. A beautiful place for a beautiful person. I will undoubtedly return to this place again, to say something to you.
We will never forget you! Bye, André.
Much strength to your friends and family.
Philip
Date: 18.09.2025
André on the podium after his 3rd place in the prologue in his youth jersey 2022
Philip
Date: 18.09.2025
Me and Andre in his youth jersey in Rwanda 2022.
Your cousin Simen
Date: 04.09.2025
Dear André
It's so indescribably hard to comprehend that you're gone. It feels so unreal, like you're still here, ready for the next challenge and the next ride and the next chapter in life. You weren't just a cousin to me, you were like a good friend, an inspiration, a motivator and a role model in so many different ways.
I looked up to you more than I think you knew. You always gave it your all, whether it was on the bike, in training or in life in general. You showed me what it means to push yourself, to never give up and to face every challenge with the same determination. At the end of tough workouts, where I wanted to give up and where I thought I had nothing more to give, I thought of you. Of how you never gave up. It gave me strength.
You motivated me more than anyone else, and you will always be one of my greatest role models. You motivated not only with what you said, but through the person you were. You had a unique ability to challenge yourself, but at the same time lift up those around you. I will always admire the way you managed to balance being so focused, hardworking and disciplined, but at the same time being warm and caring for those around you. You were a special person, not only to me, but to many others.
You were more than just blood, you were strength when I felt weak, which you still are. You saw me and lifted me up, not just with words, but with the way you were. I still don't know why you had to go. I don't know why God took you so early, but I know you left a mark. Deep, real marks. Not just in me, but in everyone you met. I remember the last time I met you in Stavanger, the way you looked at us when we met. I don't know why, but it felt like you were saying "I'm proud of you" without using words. And I still think you are. I hope so.
I promise to take with me everything you taught me, André. I promise to never give up, even when things feel heavy. And I promise to try to be someone who lifts others up, just as you did with me. You live on in me, in my strength, and in everything I try to achieve. I miss you immensely, but I know that the memories we shared will always be with me. You were a gift in my life, and I am eternally grateful for the time we had together. I hope you are watching over me from above, and that I can make you proud.
Some people live so strongly that even death cannot take them from us. André was one of them.
I love you, André. Always.
Ellen
Date: 15.09.2025
Godeste kjæreste André, mitt barnebarn og solstråle.
Sitter her og ønsker at du fortsatt kunne vært her, og at jeg kunne ha vinket deg god tur på landeveien, og videre i livet. Men slik ville ikke skjebnen det.
Tidlig forsto jeg at du var en modig, talentfull og flink gutt som ville noe, og som etterhvert skulle komme til å leve ut drømmen sin. Og jeg var så heldig som fikk ta del i ditt liv, og fikk kalle meg din "bestemor".
Tiden har gått, men enda er det vanskelig å forstå at du ikke lengre er her.
Fra din barndom på besøk hos oss i Storegjerdet har jeg bare gode minner. Besten og jeg elsket å ha deg og dine søsken på besøk med full rulle og aktiviteter. Tenker med glede alt vi fant på, så som tegning, maling, snekring og løping. Det var en god tid.
Jeg er evig takknemlig for å ha kjent deg, og du vil alltid ha en stor plass i mitt hjerte
❤️
Ellen
VIDEO - laget av Markus Engås.
Mom
Date: 25.07.2025
My dear good Andrè, mommy's little good boy. I miss you so deeply. If only I could have had more time with you. Then it wasn't meant to be. The fear became real, but so unreal to understand.
In my mind, we are together every day, as we always have been, from the day you were born. You were a special boy with unique qualities. A little shy and reserved, with a wonderful urge to explore life. You were aware of your surroundings, probing the terrain and constantly evolving in what you were doing.
I am so grateful that you were so happy in the time before we lost you. You achieved your dream, and had good feelings in your heart. It warms a mother's heart.
If time could be turned back, there was nothing you could have done differently. You lived life, my boy, and you enjoyed it so much. I can't be bitter that you lived life. But it just hurts so much to be here without you, Miguelito.
Our last phone call the night before I lost you will forever ring in my ears. "I love you, Andrè. I love you and mom," you say. Two short sentences that mean so much to me.
My dear good Miguelito.
Love you.
I see you cycling freely.
through the sky, between fjords and mountains.
With crosswinds in a sparkling path,
where you find peace in your own chapel