MORGAN HILL, CA (BRAIN) — The mountain bike racing community on Thursday mourned the loss of South African racer Burry Stander, who died after being hit by a car while training in his home country on Thursday.

Stander, 25, was a 2008 and 2012 Olympian and the 2008 UCI World Cup champion in the U23 category.

The South African cycling federation announced the death, saying that Stander was training near Shelly Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast when he was hit by an automobile. The federation said details of the accident are still being investigated. Other reports say Stander was hit by a taxi.

He had raced for the Specialized team for several years. 

"We have lost not only a friend, colleague and teammate, but a true sportsman," read a statement from the Specialized team. "He will long be remembered for his humility, his prowess and the gentle manner in which he conducted his life. Our heartfelt sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Cherise, his parents, family and all who were privileged to know this gentle giant."