Cyclist attempting world record killed as he neared the end of 155,000 mile journey

Killed: Juan Francisco Guillermo, 48, died after being hit by a truck in Thailand while nearing the end of a five year cycle trip round the world     PHOTO ;  COURTESY

Thailand: A cyclist who was on the home stretch of a five-year round the world tour, has been killed after being hit by a truck.

Juan Francisco Guillermo, 48, was trying to cycle 155,000 miles to set a world record when he was struck on Saturday in northeast Thailand.

Guillermo's wife, Ng-Poh Leng was on another bike with their 2-year-old son, Lucas, at the time.

She reportedly suffered a broken leg and their son sustained minor injuries.

Guillermo, from Chile, was said to have been scrapped by a passing truck as he pulled a carriage.

The truck driver, named by local media as Tiwarat Ratchaipidet, was arrested on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

The 64-year-old has been released on bail.

If convicted he could be sentenced to 10 years jail.

Guillermo started his cycling trip in November 2010 and was due to complete it later this year.

He had told police in Thailand that he was soon going to travel to Australia.