Friends and fellow competitors of well known Shoalhaven cyclist Robbie Williams who died suddenly in Canberra earlier this week have paid tribute to his skill as a rider and a mentor in the sport.

27 year old Robbie was riding along Gungahlin Drive on a training run on Monday morning when he collapsed and came off his bike.

He died later in Calvary Hospital.

Robbie had an extensive cycling career at home and abroad and was renowned for his legendary ride to win the 2007 Goulburn to Sydney classic.

He was planning to return to the Shoalhaven later in the year to get married and take the next step up the ladder in his career in the finance sector.

Canberra Police are hoping a post mortem will determine whether Robbie died as a result of a medical problem or injuries sustained when he came off the bike.

Friends who rode with Robbie on a regular basis say he was comfortable training with people ranging from his own elite level, to  juniors just starting out in the sport.