Tributes pour in after New Zealand cyclist dies in Corsica riding accident

Christchurch cyclist Darryl Queen, 50, has died in a riding accident on the French island of Corsica. Photo / Facebook

A Christchurch man has died in a cycling accident on the French island of Corsica.

He was 50-year-old Darryl Queen of Christchurch.

Queen was cycling near the city of Calvi, in the northern part of Corsica called Haute-Corse, when he travelled off the side of the road and fell six metres, French media reported.

Emergency services, including a helicopter, were sent to the scene. He was unable to be revived.

A cycling friend has paid tribute to Queen, calling him "a hell of a nice guy".

"It's definitely really devastating.

"Darryl was incredibly passionate about what he was doing - really a kind and courteous person, about cycling and life," the man, who wanted to remain anonymous, said.

"He always brought an energy with him ... He was a hell of a nice guy."

Queen picked up serious cycling six or seven years ago and caught the bug.

"It caught him and it was one of his great passions.

"It's incredibly sad, but for me at least I take that as a little bit of a consolation that he was doing something he loved."

Cycling Timaru posted on Facebook said he was "a great rider, competitor and great guy. He will be missed."

Cycling Southland said: "Darryl was a popular and loved rider in the local Tour in recent years and will be very sadly missed."

Other friends posted on Facebook in tribute.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. A genuine great guy who I have enjoyed racing and training with over the years," one said.

"Darryl was such a neat guy, great to chat with who loved his cycling ... We will all miss him."

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said: "The New Zealand Embassy in Paris is providing consular assistance to the family. Due to privacy considerations we are unable to provide any further information."