BERLIN, July 19 (Xinhuanet) -- Top Australian cyclist Amy Gillett was killed and five compatriots injured when a car ploughed into them when they were training in Zeulenroda, Germany.

    Gillett, 29, rowed for Australia at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and was considered a medal favourite for next year's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

    Gillett had won bronze in this year's Australian road time-trial championship and had been racing at top level for five years.

    Louise Yaxley, 20, suffered "major trauma" that required surgery while Alexis Rhodes, 23, had a thoracic fracture and serious concussion.

    Katie Brown, 22, suffered a badly fractured leg, Kate Nichols, 20, sustained soft tissue damage and torn tendons in her hand while Lorian Graham, 27, had multiple fractures of her knees, fingers and both collarbones.

    The riders were checking out the time trial course for the Thuringen Rundfahrt, Germany's major tour for women cyclists, when an 18-year-old woman lost control of her car and ploughed into them head-on.

    The riders were from the Australian Institue of Sport cycling program's base in Novellara, Italy. Enditem