SA mountain biker Burry Stander dies

Mountain biker Burry Stander, who represented South Africa at the Olympics in London, died in an accident while training in KwaZulu-Natal.

Cycling SA (CSA) confirmed the news, which broke on Twitter. “He was returning from a training ride in Shelly Beach, on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast, and was hit by a vehicle,” said CSA spokesperson Mylene Loumeau.

Conflicting reports said Stander (25) was training with his father or wife at the time of the accident.

According to unconfirmed reports, he was run over by a taxi.

Tributes poured in as the news spread and Stander’s name trended on the microblogging site within an hour.

Tweeted Garry Lemke: “Burry Stander dead. winning & losing means nothing when a life is lost. numb at the news. RIP. Champ. Machine. prayers with all who knew him.”

Wrote Andrew Swain: “Shocked to hear Burry Stander has been killed. His performance #london2012 Mountain Bike Race was inspiring. Shocked. #RIPBurry.”

Stander finished fifth in the men’s cross country race at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

- City Press and Sapa