Australian cycling legend Dean Woods dies aged 55

Australian cycling legend Dean Woods has died aged 55.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) confirmed the news today, revealing that the Olympic gold medallist died after a battle with cancer.

Woods, who was was awarded the Order of Australia medal in 1995 for service to cycling, famously won gold in the 4000m team pursuit at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, a race in which the Aussies weren't expected to win.

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He claimed silver in the individual pursuit, along with a bronze in the team pursuit at the 1988 Seoul Games.

Woods claimed another bronze in the team pursuit at the 1996 Olympics.

"This is very sad news. Dean has left us at a young age. He became a household name as a teenager following that gold medal in the team pursuit in Los Angeles," said AOC President John Coates.

"He was adept on the track and the road in his wonderful career – three times a world champion and 20 national titles. But in the Olympic pantheon, his feats on the track were extraordinary.

"An Olympian with a gold, a silver and two bronze to his name. Cycling and the Olympic movement in Australia has lost a champion.

"Our condolences to Dean's family, his friends and the cycling community."