Popular Shoalhaven Cyclists Dies

FORMER Shoalhaven cyclist and former Goulburn to Sydney cycle race winner Robbie Williams tragically died yesterday following a training ride just north of Canberra.

Ambulance crews attended to Williams, 27, on the scene at Belconnen Way just after 6am.

He was then transported to Calvery Hospital where he later died. ACT Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Former Test rugby union captain and Goulburn to Sydney race amabassador, Simon Poidevin, today described Williams as a exceptional talent.

“There was a x-factor about him,” Poidevin said. “He'll be remembered as a wonderful personality with an amazing ticker.  “My thoughts go out Robbie's family.”

Williams rode with the DFL-Cyclingnews.com-Litespeed team in Belgium before joining the Melbounre-based Drapac Porsche squad in 2007, the year he recorded the biggest  win of his career in winning the Goulburn to Sydney, Australia's second-oldest bike race.

He made a stunning recovery after being dropped on the last climb of the day, Razorback mountain, to catch up with the leading group of three riders and then launch a stunning attack in the run into the finish at Camden.