TRIBUTES to a cyclist who died in an accident on a busy Purbeck road have been pouring in from around the world.

Rob Jefferies from Poole Wheelers cycling club was well known on the British Cycling scene and helped set up the popular Wareham Forest Race.

Mr Jefferies, who was in his 40s, died after a collision with a car on the A351, near Wareham, on Thursday evening.

Pat Griffiths got in touch with the Echo from Perth, in Australia. He said: “His kindness to all who knew him is wide spread, we received news of his death with much dismay.

“It’s so sad to lose someone with such a good heart; we have Rob and his family in our prayers.”

Mr Jefferies leaves a wife and daughter.

Dave Luscombe befriended Mr Jefferies around five years ago, when he was working for British Cycling.

He describes his pal as a “big, jolly gentle giant” who was passionate about the sport and adored riding through the Dorset countryside.

Mr Luscombe said: “Rob’s passing will leave a massive void in so many lives.

“I'll always remember my good friend Rob and I'll miss him so much.

“I feel stunned, sickened, gutted and empty. The world is a much sadder place today.”

Poole Wheelers member Gordon Skillen remembers a modest man who had once out sprinted cycling legends Chris Hoy and Bradley Wiggins.

“The news has dropped into the pool of the local cycling community and caused a tsunami,” Mr Skillen said.

“As if it was not already tragic enough that a man in the prime of his life, with a wife and daughter, was struck down in this way.

“But this is Rob: the colossus, the uber-mensch, the alpha male. Rob the legend.”

He added: “Rob. I’ll miss you. See you up the road.”