Cyclist dies from head injuries in 100-mile bike ride

Road had 'steep downhill section with tight left and right bends', police say

The crash happened on Coleshill Road around 7.50am

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A man in his 50s has died after suffering head injuries after crashing during a 100-mile bike race.

The man was about 23 miles into the Velo Birmingham & Midlands event in Atherstone, Warwickshire, when he fell from his bike.

He fell in “a rural location with a steep downhill section with tight left and right bends,” Warwickshire Police said.

The man was airlifted to hospital but later died of his injuries.

A second patient was also treated at the scene by medical staff, West Midlands Ambulance Service said.

Tom Warren, a BBC journalist who took part in the event and cycled along the road shortly afterwards, told the broadcaster he saw several people being treated at the scene.

He said: “As I approached a bend going downhill I saw a marshal and then heard shouts to riders to slow down because there had been a crash.

“It was a pretty distressing scene and the marshals did a good job warning people before they rode down the hill, it must have been a very difficult situation to deal with.

“A few minutes afterwards I heard sirens and a helicopter.”

Police have called for anyone who witnessed the crash, which happened on Coleshill Road around 7.50am, to come forward.

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“While investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, we are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed it,” Sergeant Shaun Bridle said.

“We are particularly trying to identify any cyclists who may have seen anything or who may have GoPro camera footage from around the time of the incident to please get in touch.

“Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family at this difficult time.”