Coast-to-coast bike race cancelled over death of cyclist Mike

A COAST-TO-COAST bike race which saw competitors ride nearly 3,500 miles across Australia has been cancelled following the death of a Yorkshire cyclist last year.

Mike Hall, 35, died near the Australian capital Canberra when he was struck by a car during the Indian Pacific Wheel Race, from Fremantle to the Sydney Opera House.

Mr Hall, inset, who was originally from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, was seen as a pioneering ultradistance rider and many of the tributes said he inspired a generation of cyclists.

Race director Jesse Carlsson said the ride – due to start on March 17 – would be cancelled owing to “potential outcomes” of the forthcoming inquest into Mr Hall’s death.

He said: “The fact that this race has taken on a life of its own, strengthened the ultra-endurance cycling community and created an unparalleled interest in what is largely a very solitary pursuit is something of great pride. “It’s for this same reason that this decision is not taken lightly, knowing how many people this will upset and even anger. “Mike Hall was a source of inspiration to so many. The phrase ‘be more Mike’ is something many of us have clung to in the weeks and months following his untimely death.” The rules of the ride – which saw competitors ride across Western Australia, along the south coast to Adelaide, passing by Geelong, Melbourne and up through Canberra towards Sydney – said riders had to carry or buy their own supplies en route. Mr Hall was a prolific longdistance rider and 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. He was twice winner of the Tour Divide and also won the Trans Am Bike Race in 2014.