Aussie dies in US crash

AN Australian man has been fatally struck by a pick-up truck while riding a bicycle in northern New Mexico.

The identity of the 44-yearold hasn’t yet been released by police. Officers say he was on US Route 70 north of Portales, partially in the right lane of the road, about 8.40am on Monday.

They say the pick-up driven by a 43-year-old woman from nearby Clovis hit him from behind. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say driver inattention may haver been a contributing factor in the crash but alcohol does not appear to have been involved.