Friends bring beautiful tribute to deceased Constantine during Paris-Roubaix: « We are not going to forget him » (Aartselaar)
The friends of Constantijn Scheers at the portrait they made of their friend. – © RR
With a huge portrait on the Paris-Roubaix course, the friends of Constantijn Scheers have honored their deceased friend. ‘Connie’ died unexpectedly four months ago after he became unwell during exercise.
« And there, the tribute to Constantijn, died four months ago during exercise. » The Friends of Constantijn-or Connie, as they always called him-Scheers are happy that Karl Vannieuwkerke took some time during the Paris-Roubaix live reporting to reflect on their action, as they had asked in an email. Their action was also movingly beautiful. With the age of ten they had a gigantic portrait – a design by friends Jef and Laurens – painted on the road surface. « That’s how he was with us, just like last year, » says Matthias, one of the best friends.
© RR
Constantijn Scheers, substitute for attorney at the Antwerp public prosecutor, was only thirty -four when he died unexpectedly in December, after he had had heart problems during jogging. He could still be resuscitated, but died in the hospital two weeks later. Family and friends are left with a huge sadness. « I think everyone who knew him was very touched by his death, » says Matthias. « He was a special guest. Very funny, very caught, very caring for everyone. »
Constantijn had no special passion for Paris-Roubaix or for the race. « He was very sporty himself, » says Matthias. « But he mainly went to the race to be with the group of friends. That’s how Connie was: he always wanted to be everywhere, without ever being Haantje-de-Voorste. »
The trip to Paris-Roubaix last year, with Constantijn second from the right in the second row. The fourth from the right is Matthias. – © RR
The family of Constantijn was hit by the gesture of the friends. « I thought it was wonderful, » says Nicolaas Scheers, the brother of Constantijn. « I knew they were planning something, but I didn’t know what. It was moving to hear his name and see his portrait. »
The friends are planning even more actions for their friend. In a few weeks they will release a board game with the same image. « We will play that for hours and hours, » says Matthias. « No, we’re not going to forget him. »
