Cycling news - Australian champion Jonathan Cantwell dies at age of 36

Queenslander Cantwell - who underwent treatment for testicular cancer last year - twice won stages at the Herald Sun Tour and rode the Tour de France six years ago before retiring in 2014.

He represented Australian pro continental team Drapac as a sprinter four years ago competing at the Tour Down Under and the Herald Sun Tour while racing in Asia and the US.

He spent two seasons on the World Tour with Saxo-Tinkoff before becoming Australian criterium national champion in 2011.

He represented Australia in triathlon at the age group world championships in September.

Olympic gold medalist Meares - also from Queensland - expressed her condolences via Twitter.

“My heart aches heavy to learn that Jonathan Cantwell has died. Love and thoughts with his family and friends and indeed community.”

Tour Down Under organiser tweeted: “Our thoughts go out to the family, friends and team mates of Jonathan Cantwell during this difficult time.”