Rider Damion Drapac dies on way to Anzac Day Classic

Melbourne’s cycling community has been rocked after “extraordinary, devoted” cyclist Damion Drapac died in a collision while riding to the Anzac Day Classic last week.

Damion Drapac and his father Michael.

A cyclist killed on Anzac Day has been remembered as a devoted family man and aspiring doctor.

The 30-year-old was tragically hit by a car while on his way to the Anzac Day Classic event at Sandown in Victoria, while riding alone.

Nicknamed Duda, Mr Drapac was well-known in the bike community and was a member of the Brunswick Cycling Club.

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Tour de France commentator and family friend ­Matthew Keenan said the news was devastating.

“I have been lucky enough to witness Damion growing up from the age of eight into an incredible young man,’’ Mr Keenan said.

“It is not cycling that has taken Damion away, it is the actions of someone else on the roads.

“We have lost a young man who was just at the beginning of a life spent contributing to others.”

Damion Drapac graduating with his medical degree.

Mr Drapac was working at Austin Health and had only recently returned to racing in the past 12 months.

Friends and family had been impressed by his busy training schedule to get back into the shape.

A statement put out by the Drapac team confirmed the tragic news at the weekend.

“We cannot explain the heartache felt by both the Drapac family and the wider cycling community,” the statement read.

“We thank you for your support, and please ask that you ­respect our privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”

Mr Drapac’s father paid tribute through a statement given to the Brunswick Cycling Club.

“He was my son,” ­Michael Drapac wrote.

“He was an extraordinary brother. He was a devoted partner. He was to be a father. He loved his family.

“We can never forget this extraordinary man.

“I loved him with all my heart.”

Mr Drapac was working at Austin Health and had only recently returned to racing in the past 12 months.

Victoria Police confirmed the driver had stopped at the scene to render assistance on Blackburn Rd in Mount Waverley just after 12.30pm on April 25.

He was assisting with their inquiries.

“It’s believed the collision occurred in the southbound lanes near Fiander Ave,” Constable Eliza van der Leeuw said.

“The man received life-threatening injuries and died at the scene.

“The cause of the collision is yet to be determined.”

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