Sad news as 2008 Enduro World Champion and Editor of Enduro Magazine, James Williamson was found dead on Tuesday in Ceres, South Africa.

Family members are now on their way to South Africa following Williamson’s team-mate Shaun Lewis being unable to wake him Tuesday morning for the next leg of the gruelling Cape epic. Williamson (26) was taken to hospital, but was unable to be resuscitated despite the best efforts of doctors and was pronounced dead at 6:47am local time.

The cause of death has yet to be determined and James’ blog shows he was finding the race enjoyable despite the challenges he faced along with the other participants. It is yet to be decided whether a post-mortem to ascertain a cause of death will take place here or in South Africa.

James has been described as “an incredibly friendly guy and giving guy” by Enduro magazine’s publisher, Adam McLeod who also said that the tenacious champion’s death had “come as a devastating shock that would keenly be felt amongst fellow riders”

We agree.. James Williamson will be sadly missed as a competitor in the enduro scene, Mountain Bike journalist and leader in the cycling community. Our hearts go out to his family from all Australian Mountain Bikers along with our deepest condolences