There was "no rationale" for a crash near Macedon on Monday morning which injured two cyclists and left a third in a critical condition in hospital facing the "fight of his life to try and survive".

The three cyclists were riding from Woodend to Macedon, when a white Holden travelling in the same direction struck them from behind.

The driver of the white Holden has been questioned by police and released pending further inquiries. Credit:Twitter/@7NewsMelb

Six years ago, a bike lane was installed on the stretch of road where the cyclists were hit but it was removed amid community opposition.

Despite the lane's removal, Macedon Ranges Cycling Club president Brett Ellis, who has cycled on local roads for a decade, said it was not a dangerous spot.