British cyclist dies during Mallorca 312 event

The UK cycling community has paid tribute to Phil Williams, the British rider who died in an incident at the Mallorca 312 Gran Fondo on Saturday.

Williams’ club Liverpool Braveheart BC said he would be “deeply missed” and was “an exceptional bike rider and a wonderful person too”. Riding for Team Bottrill, in 2022 he won the RTTC National 25-mile Road Bike Championship and was earlier this month second at the RTTC National Road Bike Championship.

Diario de Mallorca reported Saturday’s incident happened near Valldemossa, the Liverpool Echo corroborating that medics attempted CPR but the 40-year-old tragically died while being transported to a hospital in Palma.

The event’s organisers confirmed the news in a statement offering “deepest condolences to his family and loved ones”. 

“Mallorca 312 OK Mobility deeply regrets the death of a participant,” the organisers said. “We want to offer our most sincere condolences to the rider’s family and loved ones and we have already made ourselves available to offer them all the support they need at these so difficult moments. Rest in peace.”

News reports from Mallorca and the UK suggest Williams fell from his bike during a medical incident. The Mallorca 312 is one of the most famous Gran Fondos in the world and this year saw 8,500 participants ride courses including the iconic 312km route.

Liverpool Braveheart BC said: “Phil will be deeply missed by us all. An exceptional bike rider with so many outstanding achievements and a wonderful person too.”

The club’s post explained how he had joined the club two years ago to join some longer social rides as he was building back fitness after a crash several years ago.

“For us Phil’s ‘social’ pace was nothing but, however his kindness and generosity meant he would be calmly waiting at the top of the hills, or just sit on the front of the group pulling us along at our pace on the flatter bit. Always messaging to say thanks for the ride afterwards.

“Phil was a team player, just a few weeks ago Phil rode out to support our club 10-mile TT. After a while it was clear it was far too cold to stand around in cycling kit. Phil cycled home, got changed and drove out to continue to support, right until the end to get the result sorted and gazebo down. He will be remembered always and holds a place in our hearts forever. It is so terribly hard to comprehend what has happened. Our thoughts, love and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”

His achievements in competition, such as that 2022 RTTC national title, were undertaken while representing Team Bottrill, coach Matt Bottrill adding to the tributes online.

“It is with such profound sadness that I write this message,” he wrote. “This is an immense blow to all of us, and my deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

“I first had the pleasure of getting to know Phil back in 2019 when his remarkable results caught my attention. From that point on, Phil became an integral part of our team, not only as a coached athlete but also as a dear friend. We embarked on so many journeys together, and it is incredibly difficult to comprehend that he is no longer with us.”

He highlighted how Williams had won several national medals and was a crucial member of the sub-7 team, led by Bottrill, that helped triathlete Kristian Blummenfelt become the first person to complete an Ironman in under seven hours.

“I always recognised that Phil wasn’t just an exceptional athlete but also a genuine team player,” Bottrill continued. “After the sub-7, Phil faced a challenging time when he broke his hip while competing in the Isle of Man Gran Fondo. It took him years to fully recover and regain his fitness, but his determination never wavered.
Towards the end of last year, we began making significant progress, and we developed a comprehensive plan for his comeback this season.

“Over the past few months, we were in constant contact, strategising to win the road bike nationals. We assembled the ultimate bike and shared endless banter and ideas on how to gain an edge. Phil finished second on that day, a result we were both immensely proud of, and we then planned a full assault on all the national championships. I even joked and said, ‘Well, if you’re coming back, I’ll ride the national 3-up’.

“Anyone who knew Phil will attest to what a wonderful person he truly was. Softly spoken, always ready to make you smile, and often finishing his sentences with ‘Yes, sound’. His loss is a tragedy, and I promise, Phil, you will not be forgotten. This experience makes me realise why I set up the team — to meet incredible athletes like yourself. I have so many memories, buddy, and I will miss you dearly. No words can adequately describe the loss. I’m going to miss you, buddy. My thoughts go to your family.”

Team Picnic PostNL sports director Matt Winston passed on condolences from Lancashire Road Club, writing: “Everyone at Lancashire Road Club is deeply saddened to hear this tragic news. Phil rode our reliability ride in February and spoke regularly with our members at TT events. Thoughts and wishes are with you all.”