The former national sprint, time trial and keirin champion sustained fatal head injuries in a fall during the race and died later in hospital.

Nell, who represented his country at the International Cycling Federation's (UCI) Track World Cup in Manchester last year and was part of the South African squad attempting to qualify for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, was caught between two fellow cyclists on a sharp bend before falling head-first on top of his bike.

Tributes were led by national governing body, Cycling South Africa, which described him as "a true gentleman and a true champion of the sport".

Cycling South Africa President and track cyclist, William Newman, said: "The track cycling community is a close community, we're all like family.

"This is very sad news and we have lost a family member, who was a great role model and a true gentleman."

Johan Smith, Cycling South Africa track commission director and friend of Nell, said: "South Africa's cycling community today mourns the loss of not only one of its top sprinters, but even more so the loss of one of its most beloved sons.

"Jeanne will be missed for much more than his cycling talent.

"He was a true champion, and led by example, both on and off the track.

"Larger than life, he stole so many hearts with his boyish charm and exuberance.

"This is indeed a very, very sad day."

Nell's death follows that of South Africa's Olympic cyclist Burry Stander, who died after being knocked down by a car last year.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
January 2013: South Africa mourns death of Olympic mountain biker Stander