Triathlete killed in cycling crash memorialised

A Canterbury triathlete fatally struck by a car while out cycling has been memorialised at an ultra race hewas set to compete in. Craig Petrie died in Christchurch Hospital early on November 12 after being hit on State Highway

73, near Creyke Rd in Darfield, about 3.15pm on November 11. The father of two, who moved to New Zealand from Wales, was passionate about the outdoors andwas a keen triathlete. He had planned to compete in the

58-kilometre Valley Ultra race through the

Craigieburn Ranges in

Canterbury on Saturday.

Organisers acknowledged

Petrie during the race briefing.

They are set to unveil a plaque on the Hogs Back Track, memorialising him later in the week. A ridgeline near the top of the ranges was also renamed Petrie’s Ridge, and another competitor ran the race carrying Petrie’s race number. Mel Petrie said the tribute to his son was ‘‘a lovely gesture by the triathlon community’’. ‘‘It helps to know Craig was so well thought of and the local community in Darfield have been tremendous looking after [his partner] Danielle and the children. [I] really can’t thank them enough.’’ Canterbury triathlete and coach John Newsom earlier told The Press Petrie was a popular member of the local triathlon community and competed at multiple ironman events in NewZealand and overseas. He represented New Zealand at the long course world championships in Denmark in 2018. A funeral service to celebrate Petrie’s life will be held at The Trinity Church in Darfield on Friday.