TRIBUTES have been paid to a young cycling star from Yelverton whose kindness and good nature were as well known as his athletic ability.

Junior Heffernan, 23, died as a result of his injuries following a collision with a car while competing in the Severn Bridge Road Race in Gloucestershire on Sunday.

British Cycling president Brian Cookson said: 'This is a tragedy which will profoundly sadden everyone associated with cycling in this country.'

The former Kelly College student, who was a highly respected athlete, competed in triathlons as well as elite cycle races across the UK.

Headmaster Dr Graham Hawley said the school community was feeling the tragedy 'very keenly' as Junior, who had swam for Kelly College, was known by very many teaching and support staff.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this particular time,' said Dr Hawley.

Director of swimming at Kelly College Robin Brew was involved in Junior's training both while he was at school and afterwards.

'I knew Junior and his family very well,' he said. 'His parents were always incredibly supportive and helpful and had a two lane 50-metre pool built at Yelverton to support his swimming. When things progressed with the triathlon he competed at a international level at the European championships.

'That kindled a love of cycling and he competed at both time trial and road racing.'

Junior trained with a number of top cyclists, including Jon Tiernan-Locke, who won the Tour of Britain last year and he was shortly to go on a professional contract which would have led him to overseas racing.

Mr Brew said Junior spent periods of time in France and Ethiopia, running with some of the world's best runners such was the dedication of his family to see him fulfil his potential. But despite a steely determination to get to the top in his sport, Junior helped many others along the way, added Mr Brew.

'Without a shadow of a doubt kindness was at the heart of his personality. He always had time for other people and was always there to support others, despite his own aspirations.'

Junior had been riding for Team Herbalife-Leisure Lakes in the Severn Bridge Road Race when tragedy struck on lap three of the ten-lap race. The race was immediately abandoned.

Other sporting colleagues and friends have also praised the dedication, enthusiasm and good nature showed by the cyclist.

Head coach of Plymouth Leander Swimming Club where Junior was a member, Jon Rudd, described him as 'very committed and very hard working'.

'He was a very pleasant lad with a very nice family who were exceptionally supportive. It's a massive tragedy — such a shame. My condolences to his family and friends.'