Lane was a reclusive sportsman and talented machine engineer who had been working at a bike shop in recent years, but was due to leave the job this month to begin his retirement and spend more time tinkering with his beloved bicycles.
His long-time mate Ian Fulton told the Herald that Lane was a bit of a loner, "very smart and very conscientious".
He lived alone and loved listening to Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. He had no family in New Zealand and few friends.
His sister lives in the UK and it is understood she was planning to travel to New Zealand to make arrangements for her brother.
Fulton helped recruit Lane to Fisher & Paykel four decades ago and the pair became friends, enjoying many training rides together over the years.
Lane had been an accomplished marathon runner, with a record time of two hours, 42 minutes.
He then got involved in triathlons and developed an obsession with bikes.
