TRIBUTES have been paid to a “highly respected” young cyclist who was killed on a remote country lane.

Police last night named the man killed after his bike crashed into a wall as Adam Cumbor.

The 20-year-old, from Great Ayton, had been cycling near Kildale on the back road between Percy Rigg crossroads and Westerdale via Hob Hole, at West House Farm, on the North York Moors, when he collided with a wall.

He suffered serious head injuries and died at the scene at about 7.20am on Wednesday.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward who may have seen him before he died.

Mr Cumbor, who was a former Stokesley School pupil, had been a member of Cleveland Wheelers Cycling Club for about four years.

Club chairman Norman Bielby said he was a keen and competent rider who would be greatly missed by members.

“Our condolences go out to his family – although we know that won’t bring him back,” he said.

“The club holds a series of events throughout the summer and Adam would always take part.

“Two years ago, he won one of our major competitions, so he was a highly-respected rider in the group – everyone is in complete shock.”

Mr Bielby added: “We will attend the funeral and decide as a club whether to do something in his name, possibly a commemorative ride.”

As a teenager, Mr Cumbor was a member of Teesside Model Flying Club and in 2006 he opened the club’s annual show at Redmarshall, near Stockton, having recently qualified to fly at show standard.

The stretch of road Mr Cumbor was riding on is often used as a training ground for cyclists because of its challenging climbs and tight bends, but cycling enthusiasts said there was no room for errors when travelling at speed.

Traffic Sergeant Trevor Burton, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “If you witnessed the collision, saw him riding in the area, or travelled along the road between 7.10am and 7.40am on Wednesday, please contact the police.”

Mr Cumbor was wearing a black cycle helmet, a blue top, black shorts and boots.

Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, selecting option two and asking for Reece Williams.