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Professional cyclist Desiet Kidane Tekeste has died aged 21 in a road traffic accident back in her home country of Eritrea.

The young cycling star was reportedly training at home in the city of Asmara, Eritrea, when she was hit by a car and killed.

Desiet Kidane was looking to stay active between competition as she trained in Eritrea, which is an African country bordering Sudan and Ethiopia.  

She was building a reputation as a rising star in cycling since winning gold in the time trial at the Junior African Continental Championship back in 2018.

News of the 21-year-old's death soon brought a wave of tributes with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) leading the way on social media.

The UCI wrote: 'With her constant smile, kindness, respect and deep passion for cycling, Desiet Kidane Tekeste was a rising young talent who will be greatly missed.

'Our thoughts are with her family, friends and @WCC_Cycling team-mates and coaches during this tragic time.' 

Professional cyclist Desiet Kidane Tekeste, 21, has died after being hit by a car during training

Statements flooded in for her as the Union Cycliste Internationale spoke of her 'deep passion'

Amina Lanaya, deputy general at the UCI, penned her own statement in which she wrote: 'Such a tragic loss. On behalf of everyone at the UCI and WCC Cycling, our hearts go out to Desiet’s family and close ones during this tragic moment in time. 

'Her passion, kindness and immense talent are major losses to the whole cycling community.' 

In addition, the World Cycling Centre (WCC) wrote: 'Words can't express our sadness to hear of the passing of 21-year-old UCI WCC athlete, Desiet Kidane Tekeste from Eritrea. We will miss you Desiet.' 

Africa Rising Cycling added: 'There are simply no words… Another passionate and wonderful cyclist lost to the world after being hit by a car driver. #RIP. Desiet Kidane. Never forgotten.'

The youngster's best results from the 2021 season arrived in France where she was able to finish 18th in the Périgord Ladies and 22nd in the Choralis Fourmies Féminine.

More to follow.