KEY POINTS:
A cyclist died after crashing during a mountain biking competition north of Kaikoura yesterday.
Constable Bill Talbot of Blenheim police said the 40 year-old man was reported missing about 3pm yesterday after failing to finish the annual Moa mountain bike ride in Kekerengu Valley, 56km north east of Kaikoura.
Police launched a search and with the assistance of a helicopter found the man's body about 20 metres down a bank off the edge of the road, about 6-8km from the end of the course.
It appeared the man had been descending a moderate slope and failed to negotiate a slight right hand bend, Mr Talbot said.
He was logged at various check points during the race and photographed about three quarters of the way through the ride.
The man's name would not be released until next of kin had been advised, Mr Talbot said.
- NZPA
