An investigation has begun into the RideLondon cycle event after two cyclists died as a result of participating in this year's race.
Richard Kell, 71, from Abingdon in Oxfordshire, died in hospital on August 23 after suffering injuries in a crash during the Ride-London 100 amateur race on Sunday July 31 that left him in a coma.
Mr Kell's death followed that of Robin Chard, also from Oxfordshire, who suffered a cardiac arrest at Kingston Bridge around 25 miles into the race. This year's fatalities mean there have been four RideLondon deaths since the event began three years ago.
While the event organisers have confirmed the investigation is under way, they have refused to release information on the condition of any of the dozens of other riders involved in accidents.
Organisers did, however, issue a statement confirming 33 riders had been taken to hospital during the 2016 event, three with serious injures.
Although it is known accident reports have been compiled, the event organisers have refused to make them public, saying they are for the sole use of organisers.
'Sincere condolences'
The RideLondon races take both professional riders (in the Classic race) and amateurs (in the 100) through the streets of Westminster, Hammersmith and Chiswick before entering Surrey for a large part of the race, with the finish line back in The Mall.
Mr Kell, who was taking part in the amateur RideLondon-Surrey 100 event, was airlifted from Pyrford to St George’s Hospital in Tooting.
A spokesman for RideLondon said: “Very sadly, we [can] confirm Richard Kell, aged 71 from Abingdon, has died as a result of injuries sustained during the RideLondon-Surrey 100 on Sunday 31 July.
“Richard was assisted by fellow riders and paramedics on the scene and was then airlifted from outside Pyrford to St George’s Hospital where he was treated in intensive care. He died on 23 August.
“He was riding to raise money for the British Red Cross and his fundraising page is here.
“Everyone involved in the organisation of RideLondon sends sincere condolences to Richard’s family and friends.
“No further details will be released and Richard’s family has asked for privacy.”
She added: “A full investigation around the accident is under way and is part of the extensive review process that the event undertakes, involving all the emergency services, Surrey County Council , the 15 London boroughs that the event goes through and the numerous stakeholders and organisation that help us put on the event.”
