American cyclist Eric Fishbein was struck by a vehicle and killed over the weekend as he rode the 7,000 kilometre (4,300 mile) Trans Am bike race.

The Kansas Highway Patrol Reports 61-year-old Eric Fishbein, of San Luis Obispo, California was headed east on his bike when a passing car hit him from behind. Fishbein was pronounced dead at the scene.

It happened about 10:10 p.m. Saturday along K-96 about eight miles east of Leoti.

Nathan Jones, organiser of the Trans Am reported on the official Facebook page for the race:

“We’ve just spoken to the Kansas Highway Patrol and confirmed rider Eric Fishbein was struck and killed last night on highway 96 in West Kansas. We are terribly saddened and our thoughts are with his family during this time. We are all reeling from this and are doing our best to get through today. To all racers, please know we’re all pedaling together wherever we’re sitting. Let your loved ones know where you are and what you plan to do. Some will keep pedaling, some will go home. We urge all to take the time to find the quickest path to healing. At this time we are discussing next steps to move forward. We ask for patience and understanding as we all try to get through this.”

It had already been an incredibly difficult year for the tight knit endurance racing community, which was sent into mourning by the death of Mike Hall during the Indian Pacific Wheel Race in March.

CyclingTips would like to offer its heartfelt condolences to Eric Fishbein’s family and friends as well as the organisers of the Trans Am bike race.