An inquest has heard that record-breaking cyclist Lee Fancourt overdosed on cocaine after texting a friend: ‘Bye brother, I have had enough'.
Gloucestershire Live reports that on January 19, the 40-year-old father-of-two was found unconscious and unresponsive by police in the back seat of his car, parked in a layby.
Messages posted to social media in the days before his death had given rise to concerns for his welfare and his family had reported him missing as they were not able to contact him.
A pathologist said there had been an overwhelming amount of cocaine present in his body alongside MDMA (ecstasy), some alcohol and therapeutic drugs such as antihistamines and over-the-counter cough mixture.
Coroner Katy Skerrett said: “It might only have been a fleeting intention but based on the amount of cocaine, the text message and how he had taken himself away from his family and friends, I am passing a verdict of suicide.”
Fancourt, who changed his surname to Ridgway prior to his death, established a number of Guinness World Records.
They included the fastest crossing of Europe by bike from north to south, and three records for the furthest distances covered off-road on a mountain bike over 12, 24 and 48 hours.
> Gloucester cyclist sets new World Record for fastest crossing of Europe from north to south
He also set a Guinness World Record for the most countries cycled through in 24 hours, when he visited the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia on a 323-mile ride.
In 2015, he attempted to become the quickest person ever to ride from Land’s End to John and Groats and back again (LEJOGLE), but was forced to abandon due to illness.
FLY6 FTW then I'm on my second one - had first gen. now second gen. (imho the best model).
Welcome Rebecca.
I don't think it does call for ONLY joggers and cyclists. I suspect it is more of an argument from her that they should have them on. She is...
Reviews of anything are subjective. Bikes are no different. Think of them as filters, rather than absolute Gospel.
It's a beautiful shot evoking happy memories of autumn commutes. The art director spent ages getting that leaf to stick in exactly the right place.
Yep, the lorry driver was massively at fault for not assessing the approaching traffic properly. But the black car is not blameless here either -...
Delete what? The internet?
It came in at the same time as using the word "unprecedented", no wonder you didn't see it coming. Oh, and how any time something is being opposed...
98th in a Grand Tour when you're still crocked ain't bad. Have to wonder what he could achieve if he does get back to full fitness. Big if of course.
Yes, but highly unlikely that this was caused by cyclists or walkers. Cannop ponds are easily accessible by car, and I'm 99% certain that the...