Cyclist warned of fast cars before race-crash tragedy
AN INSPIRATIONAL British endurance cyclist who died after he was struck by a car during a race across Australia had warned other competitors about the dangers of fast moving vehicles getting too close to riders.
Tributes have poured in for Mike Hall, 35, who died near the Australian capital, Canberra, during the Indian Pacific Wheel Race, from Perth to Sydney, yesterday.
Hall, who was originally from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, but who had been living in Monmouthshire, died just days after he went on social media to warn other competitors in the 3,400mile (5,500km) race.
As he passed through the Allansford area of Victoria on March 26, the rider posted a message on his Twitter feed warning other competitors about a white saloon which had “just tucked his front wing under my right knee” – adding the hastag £intimidation.
Responding to concerned replies, he added: “I’m fine thanks to those asking, you can add about half a dozen close fast passes since last night though unfortunately ... 1/2.”
And he continued: “2/2 Riders will
want to be alert when entering this area, don’t hug the shoulder, give yourself somewhere to bail to.”
Hall was in second place in the race when the crash happened on the Monaro Highway, near Williamsdale, close to the border of New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory (ACT), at about 6.30am local time yesterday.
ACT Police Sergeant Chris Meagher said: “I can suggest, given the nature of the collision, an investigation into the circumstances would suggest the rider of the push bike died at the scene.
“(The driver) will be spoken to later by our crash investigation reconstruction team. It’s early in the morning, it’s dark; there was no fog at the time.”
The race began with around 70 cyclists on March 18 in Fremantle, Western Australia, and was due to finish at the Sydney Opera House on Friday.
A statement issued by race organisers said: “Our deepest sympathies go to Mike’s family and to all those who knew him. Mike will be sorely missed.”
It said: “Mike revelled in the spirit and adventure of ultra-endurance cycling events.
“Mike’s efforts in both raising money and the spirit of others were tremendous and he leaves an incredible legacy.
“The tragedy is a great loss to the global cycling community.”
Hall became the fastest person to circumnavigate the globe by bicycle in 2012, taking just 92 days and beating the previous record holder by nearly two weeks.
Seen as a pioneering ultra-dis- tance rider, he was twice winner of the Tour Divide and also won the Trans Am Bike Race in 2014.
An online funding site, set up to help Hall’s mother, Patricia, and partner, Anna, quickly filled with tributes and, within hours, the fund had reached nearly £30,000 with donations from more than 1,100 people across the world.
Organiser James Hayden said: “Mike will be remembered by us all for his kindness, good heart and bravery. Mike was a shining light in many of our lives, enabling us to find the best of ourselves.”
Fellow endurance rider Mark Beaumont, who is preparing to break his own record by cycling round the world in 80 days later this year, added to the tributes to Mr Hall.
He said: “I’m very saddened to hear about the loss of Mike Hall, he was a quietly inspirational man and a phenomenal endurance rider. My thoughts are with Mike’s friends and family today.”
Hall’s bike supplier, Kinesis UK, said on Instagram: “Mike was more than a rider, he was a friend and inspiration to us.” It said: “This is not the time for more questions. Ride your bikes, hold your loved ones tight and remember to enjoy the gift of life. Mike was taken too soon, but doing something he loved.”
Ultra-triathlete Sean Conway said on Twitter: “Today is a very, very sad day. Cycling has lost a legend. Ride in Peace Mike Hall. We’ll miss you so much.”
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: “What a terrible tragedy.
“Cyclists who have crossed the continent as part of the Indian Pacific Wheel Race are due to arrive in Sydney tonight but it won’t be in celebration – it will be in mourning.”