South African Champion Burry Stander was Killed in Road Accident

The rider of 25 years, who took 5th place in the event of cross-country Olympic Games in London last year, was hit hard by a taxi in Shelly Beach, a town in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Burry Stander became world champion in 2009 and hopes finished third world seniors next year. Stander had also participated in the Beijing Olympics in 2008. He was the number 2 worldwide in his specialty before his tragic death.

The South African Federation has not failed to make a tribute to this great champion. "Burry was the most talented rider that the country has ever had, and his career was abruptly interrupted. He was a model. This is not a great loss for South African sport. We also lost a true gentleman who was high our colors with his professionalism, his modesty and humility, "she said.

The President of the South African Olympic Committee, Gideon Sam, abounded in the same direction in a statement. "Burry'' was the incarnation of an Olympic athlete, talented, ultra-competitive, but at the same time very humble. He was a true gentleman, "he declared.

Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius was also among the many athletes to pay tribute to biker died tragically, saying devastated by this news.

After the death of Stander, bike rides were organized in many parts of South Africa, to honor him.

The taxi driver who killed Burry Stander, Njabulo Nyawose, appeared before the court. He was later released pending further investigation police.

The spokesman for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Natasha Ramkisson, said Nyawose would face a charge of murder or charge of dangerous driving and negligence. He was summoned to appear in court on March 22.

Burry Stander death renewed calls to improve road safety in a country where the accident rate is notoriously high. Indeed, over 1300 people were killed on the roads of South Africa during the holiday season, according to official statistics.

Sports Minister of South Africa, Fikile Mbalula, took to visit family Stander Sunday to express condolences. "There will never be another Burry Stander. We lost a hero, someone who gave everything for his sport. This is not only a loss for his family, but also a loss for the nation, "he said.

Kevin Vermaak, Director of the organization of the Absa Cape Epic mountain bike race in the famous duo that has already taken part Stander said that the government should do more to protect cyclists on the roads. "We need a law that clearly states that a vehicle must not exceed a cyclist unless it leaves a gap of 1.5 meters between him and the rider," he said.

But it is dangerous to drive on the roads, this sport is growing in South Africa, said Kevin Vermaak. Ten years ago, there was a stage race bike in South Africa, while last year there were over 50. I bet that the death of this champion who will forever regret the authorities will react ...