Heart condition claims life of Australian cyclist

23 year-old Daniel Bennett was training early morning, January 5, on the Gold Coast of Australia when he suffered an apparent heart attack. Despite efforts to resuscitate him he did not recover consciousness and was pronounced dead the Gold Coast Hospital at 8AM.

"I've been coaching him for four or five years now and he was so passionate about his bike riding and one of nature's gentlemen," said Coach and close friend Mark Brady. "It's not something you can say about everyone but in Daniel's case I've never heard anyone say a bad word about him."

"There were around 20 guys in the regular training bunch this morning," continued Brady. "Daniel stopped to have a drink and just slumped over his handlebars from what they believe was a heart attack brought on by an unforeseen and undiagnosed heart condition."

The board and members of Cycling Australia extended their sympathy to the family and friends of Queensland cyclist, Bennett. "The family of cycling is grieving the loss of a talented, popular young man who loved life and his sport," said Cycling Australia CEO Graham Fredericks. "We offer our sincerest condolences to Daniel's parents, Stephen and Deborah, and all his family and friends at this tragic time."

Born in Zimbabwe, Bennett emigrated to Australia's Gold Coast with his family a decade ago and for the past two years has ridden in Europe with French amateur team Charvieu-Chavagneux based in Lyon. He was due to return to the team next month for the 2007 European season.