Burry Stander Killed In Vehicle Collision

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South African and Olympic mountain biker Burry Stander has been killed in a road accident involving a taxi while out on a training ride in Shelly Beach on South Africa’s east coast.

Stander rode to 5th place in last year’s London Olympics having also competed in the previous Beijing Olympics in 2008. he also took 3rd place in the 2010 world champs.

Said the South African National Olympic governing body’s President Gideon Sam: “This is indeed terrible news to start 2013 with. Burry was the epitome of an Olympic athlete – talented, ultra-competitive but at the same time extremely humble and a true gentleman.

“SASCOC, the cycling fraternity, and the entire South African sporting community mourns his passing and sends our prayers to his wife and family.

“I’m totally shattered because athletes of Burry’s calibre are not easily replaced. It’s an enormous loss to the entire cycling family.

“I’ve said this time and again but it is really time to work even harder at protecting both our runners and cyclists who used the roads daily to do their training.”

Stander married fellow Beijing competitor Cherise Stander (nee taylor) earlier last year.

 

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Mark Alker

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What Mark doesn’t know about social media isn’t worth knowing and his ability to balance “The Stack” is bested only by his agility on a snowboard. Graphs are what gets his engine revving, at least they would if his car wasn’t electric, and data is what you’ll find him poring over in the office. Mark enjoys good whisky, sci-fi and the latest Apple gadget, he is also the best boss in the world (Yes, he is paying me to write this).

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Comments (4)

    peghookpeghook January 4, 2013 at 12:04 pm

    Burry was my favourite rider to watch last season and one of few riders who have spurred me on to start riding competitively again. This news was gutting to hear and hope that Cherise and Burry’s friends and family can find some sort of comfort in knowing that he will always be an inspiration, not only to me, but many trying cyclists throughout the world. Rest in peace Bro.

    jonathanjonathan January 4, 2013 at 10:57 pm

    Similarly, I’ve found myself shouting for Burry since watching him take a hard 3rd at the Dalby World Cup round in 2010. One of those riders you just start shouting for because you instinctively like them. I found myself doing it again at the Olympics race in the summer, stood beside some SA fans, just couldn’t help myself. He was also the reining SSWC champion of course.

    A very sad loss for his family and friends, and for mountain bike racing world wide.

    footflapsfootflaps January 7, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    Just seen this, very sad.

    teamslugteamslug January 9, 2013 at 10:32 am

    Sad sad news. Commiserations to his family..a big loss to MTBing.

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