British Cycling investigating death of rider at London circuit race

British Cycling has opened an investigation after a rider died following an incident at a criterium race at Lee Valley VeloPark in London last month.

In a statement shared with us this morning the governing body said: "British Cycling is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Paul Atkinson following an incident during a race on Saturday 22 March. A full investigation is underway."

British Cycling's website states Atkinson was riding in the Open Masters 50+ category of the Full Gas Spring Rumble Series second round event at the Lee Valley circuit on the day of the incident.

Lee Valley VeloPark (credit: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0/Flickr/diamond geezer)

"We sincerely thank the local ambulance and police services, as well as the volunteers, first aiders, and Lee Valley VeloPark staff, for their swift and dedicated response," the British Cycling statement continued. "Paul was regarded highly by the wider cycling community and will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with Paul's family and friends."

The Metropolitan Police has confirmed officers attended the Olympic Park's Lee Valley VeloPark outdoor circuit just before midday on Saturday 22 March. A man was reported to be unresponsive and taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service paramedics where he sadly died. A spokesperson confirmed the incident is not being treated as suspicious.

Lee Valley VeloPark hosts crit races throughout the year, the outdoor track next to the velodrome which hosted the track cycling events at the 2012 Olympic Games. 

The event's organiser Full Gas declined to offer any further comment on the incident this morning, but had previously offered a statement to Cycling Weekly: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of a rider following an accident during the Spring Rumble 2.

Lee Valley VeloPark (credit: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0/Flickr/diamond geezer)

"Our thoughts are with the rider's family, friends, and teammates. This tragic loss will deeply affect the entire cycling community, and we ask for respect and privacy for those impacted during this difficult time. We sincerely thank the local ambulance and police services, as well as our volunteers, first aiders, and Lee Valley VeloPark staff, for their swift and dedicated response."