Cyclist free here in middle (5)

I believe the answer is:

rider

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'cyclist' is the definition.
(someone riding a bike)

'free here in middle' is the wordplay.
'free' becomes 'ride' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'here' becomes 'earth' (I've seen this in another clue).
'in middle' says to take the centre.
The middle letter of 'earth' is 'r'.
'ride'+'r'='RIDER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rider that I've seen before include "one making journey" , "Stipulation" , "One may be saddled" , "Jury's recommendation" , "One in the saddle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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