THE cyclist who was struck and killed by a car at Clunes on Tuesday has been remembered as an incredibly caring man who had a deep passion for cycling.
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Doug Garley, a long-time member of the Ballarat-Sebastopol Cycling Club, was tragically killed on Creswick-Clunes Road when he was struck by a car travelling in the same direction.
Ambulance paramedics tried to revive him but he died at the scene about 4pm.
A former international cyclist, Mr Garley was known as "The Hard Rider" within the cycling club.
Club president Phillip Orr said Mr Garley, 56, was one of the most popular members at the club.
"This was not meant to happen. It's hard to understand how this has happened," said Mr Orr.
"He's touched so many people at the club and he had so much time for everyone, especially the juniors.
"He was incredibly caring and passionate about cycling and all sorts of cycling. He was the most thoughtful and caring person at the club."
Mr Orr said it was not uncommon for Mr Garley to be out on the road alone, often going out for extended training rides.
An experienced and respected cyclist, he won the bronze medal in the Master 6 road race at the Australian Masters Championships in Ballarat in 2006.
He was also a long-time member of the Carnegie Caulfield Cycling Club, which has also expressed its deep condolences on its website this morning.
A statement on the Ballarat-Sebastopol Cycling Club website described Mr Garley as a true gentleman.
"He was a great mate and marvellous mentor, husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jenny and the boys," the statement reads.
"We can all say he was taken doing something he loved but we would prefer to have his love, company and passion still amongst us and our children."
Police are still investigation the cause of the accident and the driver of the car, an 85-year-old woman from Clunes, is helping police with their enquiries.