An amateur cyclist from south London has been killed in France after he was hit by a vehicle just 200 metres (650ft) from the end of a race.
A support vehicle collided with Ian Bashford, 60, as he made the final descent of the Duo Normand race in Marigny, north-west France, on Sunday afternoon.
Bashford, a member of the Old Portlians cycling club based in south London, could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the support vehicle was taken to Saint-Lô hospital with shock, according to French media.
They reported that the race continued following the accident in accordance with the wishes of Bashford’s friends. An investigation has been launched into the tragedy.
The Duo Normand is a two-man time trial for elite cyclists. Adèle Hommet-Lelievre, a spokeswoman for the race, said Bashford and a team-mate, who she named as Peter Grey, had been heading towards the finish at about 50km an hour (30mph), when a support vehicle for a team racing in the other direction had swerved into their path.
“Peter and Ian tried to go on each side of the car, but it was not possible. Ian was hit by the car and was hurt,” she said.
Medics gave Bashford cardiac massage for 40 minutes before finally pronouncing him dead at the side of the road, Hommet-Lelievre said.
Today has, for obvious reasons, been extremely hard. We can only say a very big thank you for everyone's kind wishes. RIP Bashers.
— The Old Ports (@OldPortliansCC) September 25, 2016
Old Portlians said in an statement on its website: “It is with great sadness that we have to report that Ian Bashford was killed today while taking part in the Duo Normand.
“Ian was hit by a car during the final descent in to the finish area. Our thoughts are with his wife and family at this very sad time.”
The Evening Standard reported that Bashford, a grandfather-of-four from Bromley, was a retired Metropolitan police officer who protected high-profile politicians, including Tony Blair.
His son, Neil Bashford, told the paper: “If he’s up there now I’m sure he’s bloody furious about how this could happen, so I feel it’s my duty to raise holy hell about safety standards.”
