A CYCLIST was taken to hospital after a crash with a van on the A78 today. 

The woman was seriously injured in the smash with a Vauxhall Vivara van near Loans at Troon around 10.30am. 

The 40-year-old female cyclist was taken to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock for treatment to serious injuries. The driver of the van was uninjured. 

Police have launched an appeal as they seek to piece together what happened. 

Officers are seeking witnesses to come forward. 

Constable Gordon Stewart of the Road Policing Unit in Irvine said: "We would be keen to speak to anyone who was driving on the A78 around that time on Sunday morning to get in touch if you saw the collision or either the cyclist or the van beforehand.

"We would be especially keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage.

The road was closed earlier by police as motorists heading to Troon were diverted via South Woods Road and those travelling to Irvine (northbound) diverted via the A77.