Canberra mourns the tragic death of Robbie Williams

I woke up to the news on local radio station 2CC that there had been an accident involving a cyclist on the GDE. My immediate reaction was to pray for the cyclist.  I always get a shiver down my spine when I hear about accidents involving cyclists. Details were, however, limited at 6.45am.  It appeared that the ambulance were on the scene.

By 9.12am, the Canberra cycling community was using twitter was to express their condolences and heartfelt wishes to his family and friends.  Tragically, the cyclist, who was later named as Robbie Williams, did not regain consciousnesses and died in Calvary hospital.   

Robbie Williams was a very talented riders that was much loved in Canberra. He had ridden professionally both in Australia and Europe. His greatest win was the 2007 Goulburn to Sydney Classic, Australia's second oldest race. At the time he was riding for Drapac Porsche.



The death of any young person is a tragic loss. I did not know Robbie, but the reactions and tributes from the Canberra cycling community illustrate the type of man he was, well loved, a great person and a brilliant teammate.

Joe Lewis said on twitter "Riding for a mate this week in Tour of the South Coast. Life is precious".

Mitch Lovelock-Fay said 'Thoughts go out to Robbie Williams family! One of the Nicest guys I will ever know. A life lost too early. #RIProbbie' 

Nine hours after the incident, Europe woke up the the tragic news.  Canberra cyclists in Europe used twitter to pay tribute and to honour their mate.

Fabio Calabria, who rides with Team Type 1 - Sanofi wrote 'RIP Robbie. The world lost one of the nicest guys on and off the bike. Thoughts go out to his family.'

Miffy Galloway, who rides for Italian team, Team Faren Honda said  'News no one should have to wake up to. #RIPRobbie, a great guy who will be remembered by many for all the right reasons'.

Gracie Elvin, also from Team Faren Honda said 'Today is about perspective & appreciation. So sad to hear the passing of Robbie Williams. Sending love and support to those he left behind'. 

He will not be forgotten.  Canberra team, Suzuki-Trek, will be wearing black armbands in honour of Robbie during the next race of the Subaru National road Series, the Tour of Great South Coast.  I suspect that they will not be the only ones.  I would not be surprised to see if his former teammates at Drapac donning black armbands, plus Canberra riders like Joe Lewis and Ben Hill.

Team Quon is organising a ride in honour of Robbie this Friday in Canberra.  People should check Team Quon's twitter feed for details of the ride.

My sincere condolences to family and friends of Robbie.