News.com.au: Promising cyclist killed in 4WD crash

An emerging cyclist with a dream of competing in the Tour de France was killed when a four-wheel drive struck him on a two-lane highway in central Victoria. Scott Peoples, 20, had just won a scholarship with the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) when a Nissan Patrol four-wheel drive hit his bike during a training ride on the Maroondah Highway at Merton yesterday morning. The coroner is investigating his death.

A man driving the four-wheel drive was taken to the Yea Hospital in shock, a Victoria Police spokesman said. Scott’s devastated father, Shane Peoples, of Shepparton, said police had indicated the driver “never saw Scott”, although the two-lane highway was clear of bushfire smoke and haze. “There was no smoke at all,” Mr Peoples said of the area, which is close to the fire-ravaged high country. “The bloke – the driver – had a clear view of the road.” As the family waited for the coroner’s outcome on Scott’s death, Mr Peoples said it was a time to reflect on his son’s achievements as a talented and determined cyclist.

Mr Peoples said Scott would invest hours, often 200km at a time on the road, to become competitive for the European tour. “The Tour de France – that would have been his dream for sure,” Mr Peoples said. “He was a bit frustrated that he didn’t have a lot of money, which restricted him travelling (overseas).” Scott, whose career was influenced by Shepparton cyclist Leigh Egan, broke through with a stunning tour in New Zealand last month.

He was a 2006 Tour of Southland double-stage winner and would have kicked on with superb hill climbing speed but his derailleur cable broke during the fifth stage. Despite his fifth-stage disappointment, Scott had attracted interest from the Porche team and the VIS, giving him further opportunities to compete in Europe. Cycling Australia today extended its sympathy to Scott’s family and friends.

“Scott was a young rider with a great future ahead of him but that future has been cruelly cut short,” Cycling Australia CEO Graham Fredericks said. ”Our thoughts are with his family and friends as they try to deal with their terrible loss.” Mr Peoples said Scott’s friends had paid tribute to the talented rider.

“We have received so much support, it’s beyond my wildest dreams that Scott’s riding mates and others have come in their droves and that has been fantastic,” Mr Peoples said. “It’s disappointing Scott couldn’t go on (and fulfil his potential).” Mr Fredericks said the tragedy again highlighted the need for motorists to take special care and be aware of cyclists on our roads.

“Many Australians, both young and old, will be receiving bicycles for Christmas and will be on the roads trying them out so I urge all motorists to be patient because an extra five minutes added to your journey is a small price to pay to keep a cyclist safe,” he said.