Cycling club in shock after rider dies suddenly

A Suffolk cycling club is in a "state of shock" after one of its star members died following a road collision on Sunday.

The Sudbury Cycle Club rider, named as Jonathan Weatherley, was cycling in Twinstead, Essex, when the fatal collision happened.

The club chairman, David Fenn, told the Suffolk Free Press: "Obviously the whole club is in a state of shock at the moment. It is quite a difficult time."

"Jonathan was a real gentleman, he really was. He was a superb athlete and he held all of our recent club records, including individual time trial records and team records."

“I believe when he started with us it was the first time he had joined a cycling club, and he was such a good rider.

“He made tremendous improvements in a short period of time and over the last couple of years he was untouchable in the club. He was so far ahead of some of our other riders.

“Later on we would like to run an event and dedicate it to Jonathan.”

Weatherley, who was a member of the club for six years, was cycling on Lorkin's Lane, Twinstead when the collision happened. Police were called at 3.40pm Sunday afternoon to the scene, where Weatherley was found by a passerby, having suffered a cardiac arrest. He was not breathing or conscious when emergency services arrived.

Police believe he died from injuries sustained after apparently losing control of the bike.

Officers from the Essex Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit have appealed for witnesses who might have seen Weatherley between 3-3.30pm last Sunday 23rd August. He was wearing a blue jersey and helmet and riding a road bike.

Anyone with information should call 101 or email collisionappeal [at] essex.pnn.police.uk.