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Australian bicycle owner Connor Lambert killed in coaching crash in Belgium

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Tributes are flowing for West Australian bicycle owner Connor Lambert after his dying in a coaching crash on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old Bunbury resident was killed after being hit by a truck in Belgium.

In a press release, Lambert’s sister Tara stated the household was devastated by the sudden loss.

“He was a a lot beloved and adored son, brother and uncle,” she stated.

“We’re heartbroken and ask for privateness presently — he was beloved by so many.”

Mates stated he had routinely travelled to Europe for aggressive biking, but additionally to assist youthful cyclists.

The Division of International Affairs and Commerce (DFAT) confirmed it was offering consular help to the household of an Australian man killed in Belgium.

“Our ideas are along with his household and family members throughout this troublesome time,” a DFAT spokesperson stated in a press release.

The bicycle owner’s dying has had a devastating impression on WA’s tight-knit biking neighborhood and a number of golf equipment expressed their grief.

A middle-aged woman in a grey hoodie.

Bernice Butlion says Connor Lambert was like household to her. (ABC South West: Amelia Searson)

‘Certainly one of my kids’

In Bunbury Lambert entered the South West Academy of Sport’s (SWAS) street biking program in 2011 and continued to play a distinguished function coaching and helping youthful cyclists.

Academy chief govt Bernice Butlion stated Lambert’s dying would depart a large gap in the neighborhood.

“He wasn’t simply an athlete in my eyes, he was a part of our SWAS household,” she stated.

“Extra importantly, it felt as if he was one among my kids.

“Once I rang his dad in the present day I stated, ‘I’ve misplaced a son.'”

A pair of cyclists on a track during a race.

Lowen Ferry (left) with Connor Lambert throughout a race in Brunswick earlier this yr. (Provided: Lowen Ferry)

South West Cycle Membership vice-president Lowen Ferry labored alongside Lambert mentoring younger riders.

He stated Lambert had been an immensely constructive function mannequin for younger athletes proper throughout the area.

“I grew up driving with him at native occasions — even on the native cafe after a pleasant experience,” Mr Ferry stated.

“He is an excellent, energetic, constructive man … we’re all shocked and devastated.

“It would not really feel actual.

A man and woman look at a framed sports jersey hanging on a wall.

Lowen Ferry and Bernice Butlion with a jersey of Lambert’s displayed on the South West Academy of Sport. (ABC South West: Amelia Searson)

‘A privilege to know you’

Norwegian bicycle owner and Lambert’s X-Pace United biking teammate Sebastian Heldahl stated he was nonetheless in shock on the information.

“I am misplaced for phrases, to be trustworthy,” he stated.

“Racing in Belgium may be actually robust — it is the toughest racing on the earth.

“It would not go the way you’d hope all the time, and that is the place Connor was probably the most stunning man on the earth.

“He was at all times pleased, and in some way managed to show round detrimental feelings to laughter and smiles along with his vibe.”

WA cyclists Jai Hindley and Luke Durbridge, each driving within the Tour De France, posted social media tributes to Lambert.

“An incredible man, it was a privilege to know you and to name you a mate,” Hindley posted on Instagram.

“Ideas along with his household and the entire WA biking neighborhood.”

Durbridge echoed Hindley’s sentiments.

“Our ideas to the household and associates,” he stated.

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