Accomplished cyclist and author George O'Hara, 68, from Prestwick, suffered serious head injures after the collision on the A78 at Irvine at 9.40am on Thursday morning.

He died at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow on Friday, police confirmed.

Paying tribute to him, his devastated family said in a statement: “George, a much loved husband, dad and granddad, will be sorely missed by his devastated family.

“George was a recognised published author and an accomplished cyclist.

“He enjoyed racing and riding his bike for over 50 years and achieved many race victories, some at national level.

“He is admired in the cycling community for holding the record for cycling from Glasgow to Oban and back in under nine hours, which stood for over 18 years.” Sergeant Andy Johnston, Divisional Road Policing Unit, Irvine, asked anyone who witnessed the crash to telephone 101 number with any information.

George's bicycle collided with the Vauxhall Movano van between the Warrix Interchange and the Eglinton Interchange, Irvine on the north carriageway.

He was taken by Helimed helicopter to hospital.

The 40 year-old male driver of the van and his 37 year old male passenger were not injured.