The South African cycling community is in mourning after the country's most successful mountain biker, Burry Stander, was killed in a road accident.

Stander, 25, was on a training ride when he was hit Thursday by a vehicle in Shelly Beach, on the country's southeast coast, according to Cycling South Africa, the national cycling body. Details of the accident are still being investigated, it said.

"Not only is this a loss to South African sport, but we have lost a true gentleman who through his professionalism, modesty and humility, constantly showing sheer guts, represented our country with great pride," Cycling South Africa said in the statement released Thursday.

The organization expressed its condolences to Stander's family, including his wife and parents.

Stander finished fifth in the Men's Cross Country mountain bike event at the Olympic Games in London last year. In 2011, he won the same event at the African Championships.