£20,000 raised in memory of cyclist who died after Birmingham Velo crash
More than £20,000 has been raised in memory of a cyclist who died after a crash during the Velo Birmingham.
The man, aged in his 50s, was airlifted to hospital after coming off his bike at the 23-mile mark during the race on Sunday but later died.
A JustGiving page has since been set up in the man's memory and received more than £8,000 in donations from 500 people within hours of being created.
The money will go to the air ambulance charity which airlifted him to hospital after the crash happened in Coleshill Road in Atherstone, Warwickshire, at around 7.50am.
Organisers of the 100-mile race, which 17,000 riders took part in, posted an update online saying the man's family would like to pass on their "heartfelt thanks" for the messages of condolence.
The page was set up on Wednesday evening and by Thursday lunchtime more than £8,000 had been donated for the the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.
The Velo organisers posted on Facebook saying: "We are in touch with the family of the rider who sadly passed away on Sunday and they would like us to pass on their heartfelt thanks for your messages of condolence and support.
"In his memory, we have set up a Just Giving page with all proceeds going to the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance – a charity that was close to his heart and who actually attended to him on Sunday.
"Any donation large or small would be greatly appreciated."
Police appeal
The section of road that the incident happened on is a rural location with a steep downhill section with tight left and right bends, Warwickshire Police said.
It is not yet known where the man was from.
Organisers of the Velo posted on social media on Sunday saying they were working with the police to establish exactly what happened.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call Warwickshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 84 of May 12.
Velo Birmingham was criticised in 2017 by traders who said their businesses would be impacted by the road closures, then it did not take place last year and this year the course was changed to avoid Staffordshire and most of the Black Country. In 2017 nails and tacks were left on the route.
The ride started in Birmingham before heading across the West Midlands, briefly entering the boundaries of Sandwell and Dudley in the Quinton area, before returning to the city.
In addition to the new 100-mile route, more than 1,000 riders took part in a new 42-mile version, which took riders from Birmingham to Coventry.
