The cycling community is in shock after the death of promising junior cyclist Adam Reyneke who was hit by a car while training on Tuesday.

Adam, 17, a matric pupil at Pretoria Boys’ High School, apparently died on impact.

He is the son of Pretoria cyclist and cycling shop owner Bruce Reyneke.

The family were at their farm in Ladybrand in the Free State during the school holidays.

They were too shocked yesterday to speak to the media, but a family friend said Adam was out on a straight, wide road training for the national junior race this weekend, when a vehicle apparently hit him from behind.

It is believed the boy died on the scene.

He was the younger of two children.

Eastern Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Majang Mosupa said the accident happened about 2km from the Maseru bridge.

Apparently a Toyota Corolla was travelling in the two-lane road, behind Adam, when another vehicle overtook it.

Mosupa said the Toyota swerved – as the driver thought the passing car was too close – and hit the boy.

Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide.

In reaction to Adam’s death, the family friend said: “Adam cycled all his life. One can almost say that he was on a bicycle shortly after he learnt to crawl.”

With Reyneke owning the cycle shop in Lynnwood for almost 21 years, his son grew up in front of his employees, who even sometimes baby sat him.

“Everyone who knew Adam is devastated,” the friend said.

Adam was becoming well-known in cycling circles as he usually finished races among the top 10. In February this year he won the junior category of the Carnival City Macsteel Cycle Classic.

Internet social website Twitter was abuzz with the news of Adam’s death yesterday, with friends and cyclists expressing shock and their sympathy for the family.

One wrote: “Just got news that Adam Reyneke, absolutely wonderful young guy and awesome talent, killed while training. Devastating.”

A Facebook page, “In loving memory of Adam Reyneke”, grew to 27 members not long after it was created. The site was for “all who knew and loved Adam. May the great memories live on!”.

Friends of the young cyclist wrote: “You will be safe in the palm of the Lord’s hand. RIP Adam.” Another said: “You are such an inspiration and legend to many. Keep a watchful eye from above – great things will happen because of you.”

Adam was described as a happy, wonderful and positive young man with whom his friends had fun. All said he would be greatly missed.

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