Australian and world cycling mourns loss of Jason Lowndes

Tributes are being paid to the professional rider Jason Lowndes, who died after being hit by a car while out riding near Bendigo. The likeable Australian was building up for the new season, and was honing his form prior to the national championships in early January.

He was tenth in the under 23 race in 2017, months after taking a superb sixth in the world under 23 championship road race. This season, he took top five stage finishes in the Tour of Austria, the Tour of Korea, the Tour of Portugal plus the Baltic Chain Tour. More recently, he was third in last weekend’s Shimano Super Crit in Melbourne.

Lowndes was struck from behind by a car just after 10 am on Friday. Although he was flown to hospital doctors were unable to save him.

He competed for the Drapac Pro Cycling team in 2016 and raced with Israel Cycling Academy in 2017. He was set to move to JLT Condor next year. Based in Girona during the European season, he had a wide number of friends there.

They and others paid tribute to him on Friday.

Crushed by the news of Lowndsey’s passing. Never once saw that guy without a smile. Absolutely tragic.

— Alex Howes (@alex_howes) December 22, 2017

Finding it hard to believe cycling and the entire world has lost an amazing person today. What a nightmare. Rest in peace @jasonlowndes94

— Koen de Kort (@koendekort) December 22, 2017

Lost a great friend and even better drinking partner today. Truly lost for words.
Gonna miss you Lowndsey ❤

— Ryan Mullen (@ryanmullen9) December 22, 2017

https://twitter.com/freddyovett/status/944139805075521543

Deeply grieved by the tragic death of our dear friend, rider, teammate @jasonlowndes94 . Victim of a road accident while riding in Victoria today. Good Bye wonderful mate. https://t.co/YtspWUZxZF pic.twitter.com/wYN2h7KmPj

— Israel Start-Up Nation / Israel Cycling Academy (@YallaIsraelSUN) December 22, 2017

So so sad. Thought’s with all Jason’s family, friends and everyone close. Ride safe & drive safe guys 😢 https://t.co/Xqx0dDoeJB

— Matt Brammeier (@Mattbrammeier85) December 22, 2017

I can’t believe it. Too hard to comprehend. A life taken in an instant. So bubbly, so positive, such a nice guy. Sending love to all who had the pleasure to know @jasonlowndes94 xxx💔 #ametrematters #sharetheroad pic.twitter.com/Mrr4W5hYKh

— Annette Edmondson (@NettieEdmo) December 22, 2017

I’m angry, I’m heartbroken and I want to cry. #RIP #JasonLowndes #ametrematters pic.twitter.com/uTgiKgzwl4

— Matthew Keenan (@mwkeenan) December 22, 2017

We are devastated to learn of the passing of Jason Lowndes this morning. The peloton has lost a friend, a teammate and a family member. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Rest in peace.

— Condor Racing (@condorracing) December 22, 2017

https://twitter.com/CyclingAus/status/944148235836256256

Our thoughts and condolences go out to the team-mates, friends and family of Jason Lowndes, who tragically passed away earlier today. Rest in peace.

— Movistar Team (@Movistar_Team) December 22, 2017

Feel sick & so sad after the tragic passing of young cyclist @jasonlowndes94 this afternoon. Rest in peace mate. Please please 🚲 and 🚗 safely out there everyone.

— Rachel Neylan OLY (@rachneylan) December 22, 2017

Not just one of the good guys. One of the best. Privileged to have known you mate. You’ll be missed. https://t.co/aPq3bRVEIL

— Stephen Clancy (@Clancy_Stephen) December 22, 2017

Absolutely shocked and saddened to wake up to this news this morning. Jason was one of the guys I first ever met when I went to bendigo, he went out of his way to show me round and was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet #RIPmate x https://t.co/HduKc2cXg7

— Tom Moses (@MosesTom) December 22, 2017

This is insane. I didn't know @jasonlowndes94 that well, but he was still a friend and fellow bike rider. RIP dude https://t.co/Piu4s5fTt2

— Toms Skujiņš (@Tomashuuns) December 22, 2017

Incredibly sad news from Australia this morning. Many in the cycling & Girona community will have heavy hearts for a long time. @jasonlowndes94 was a top bloke who will be greatly missed by us all.

— Tao Geoghegan Hart (@taogeoghegan) December 22, 2017

Devasted. We have lost a champion bloke in Jason Lowndes. When will it stop? Please respect every life on the roads. This should not happen

— Robert Jon McCarthy (@mccarthyrobertj) December 22, 2017

Can not believe it… so saddened by the loss of Jason today. Here just 1 year ago after helping my friend in the world championships, a day I won’t forget. My thoughts are with his family #RIP #neverforgotten pic.twitter.com/60nHoeEzLQ

— Miles Scotson (@MilesScotson) December 22, 2017

In no world should a person so young be taken from us. It doesn't seem fair. RIP @jasonlowndes94 😭 Your banana cake critiques, banter and positivity will be missed by all #ametrematters

— Carlee Taylor (@carleetaylor1) December 22, 2017

Jason Lowndes stood out not just because of his height but because of the quality of person he was. Good fun, down to earth guy taken too soon. Rest in peace legend.

— Lucas Hamilton (@lucashamilton8) December 22, 2017

According to the Herald Sun, a 20 year old woman who was driving the car stopped at the scene. Police are appealing for witnesses to provide information on what happened.

Zak Dempster, a fellow Israel Cycling Academy rider, paid tribute via the team’s Facebook page. “Jason was a great friend to all of us; he was like this big puppy dog that was impossible not to love,” he wrote.

“He’d run around at a million miles an hour, suitcase full of Lindt chocolate bars, ready to rip races and always ready for a great time with those he loved at any moment.

Jason lived every moment of his life to the absolute fullest, it’s just not fair his is gone.”

“We are deeply grieved by the tragic death of our dear friend, rider, and teammate,” said the team.

“Jason, who just celebrated his 23rd birthday eight days ago, was hit by a car while training today on his bike near his home town in Bendigo, Victoria.

“Jason raced for Israel Cycling Academy during the 2017 season and his constant broad smile, ever cheerful personality, and warm heart will be terribly missed forever by all of us. We wish to send our deep condolences to Jason’s family and friends all over the world.

“Good bye, wonderful mate.”

All of us at CyclingTips express our sincere condolences to Jason’s family, friends and teammates.