MACINTYRE DIES AFTER ACCIDENT

PROLIFIC time trial ace and national 25-mile champion Jason MacIntyre has died after being in collision with a vehicle while training near his home in Fort William.

MacIntyre, 34, was airlifted to Belford Hospital in Inverness with serious injuries after the incident, which is reported to have happened at 1.34pm on Tuesday, but died shortly afterwards.

Northern Constabulary officers have launched an investigation into the accident, which is happened on the A82 at an area known locally as Carrs Corner.

The reigning National 25-mile champion, MacIntyre notched up 13 Scottish titles - including breaking Graeme Obree?s long-standing 10-mile record - as well as three British championship wins.

MacIntyre leaves a wife, Caroline, as well as two daughters, and Scottish Cycling?s director of operations, Jackie Davidson, said: ?We are very sad for Caroline and the two girls and our thoughts are with them. Jason was a rider with so much talent and potential. Everyone is shocked to hear the news.?

And the body?s president, Jock Shaw, added: ?We have lost one of our finest cyclists. Jason was a true champion, who was always handicapped by geography. His achievements over the last few years proved that he was still improving and we were looking forward to him progressing further.?

There will be more on MacIntyre?s death in next week?s Cycling Weekly.