British cycling champion killed in road accident

Tributes have been paid today to a British cycling champion who was killed in a road accident near his home.

Jason MacIntyre, a road and time trial cyclist, was hit by a van the A82 near Fort William in the Highlands, where he lived with his wife, Caroline, and eight-year-old twin daughters. The 34-year-old was taken to Belford Hospital where he later died.

Figures in the cycling world have paid tribute to one of Scotland's "finest cyclists".

Jackie Davidson, director of Scottish Cycling, the sport's governing body, said: "We are very sad for Caroline and the two girls and our thoughts are with them. Jason was a rider with so much talent and potential. Everyone is shocked to hear the news."

Scottish Cycling president Jock Shaw said: "We have lost one of our finest cyclists.

"Jason was a true champion who was always handicapped by geography. His achievements over the last few years proved that he was still improving and we were looking forward to him progressing further."

The crash happened at around 1.30pm in an area known as Carrs Corner. MacIntyre broke Scots cyclist Graham Obree's 10-mile time trial record last year.

The father of two began professional cycling at the age of 18 and went on to win the Tour of the North in Ireland at 23.

He took two years away from racing to help his wife following the premature birth of his daughters before going on to win 13 Scottish titles and three British championships.

MacIntyre was selected to represent Scotland in the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and won the British 25 mile Time Trial twice. He had been preparing for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

The cyclist was also the first Scot to win the British Circuit race Time Trial Championship.

A statement on the Scottish Cycling website said: "Jason was a totally committed, dedicated rider who, despite his many successes was unassuming, modest and hugely popular with his peers."

It added: "He was a member of the Scottish Cycling Talent Team and, but for his decision to train alone and continue to live in Fort William, would almost certainly have earned Great Britain selection."

MacIntyre wrote an online blog where his last post, on January 1, described how he was busy training.

An investigation is being carried out by Northern Constabulary's Road Policing Section. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.