Cyclist dies during Pedal for Scotland event

A cyclist has died after falling ill during the Pedal for Scotland event yesterday.

Colin Anderson had been raising money for the charity the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).

He was taken ill at Avonbridge near Falkirk and despite receiving treatment passed away.

His wife Norma confirmed his death on social media, reports the Scottish Sun.

“I am devastated to say that this was my husband," she wrote.

“Our son finished the event and got his medal. His friend stayed with him.

“My daughter, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law and his friend’s wife were seeing them at the finish.

“I’m heartbroken. A fit, healthy man that has never made the end.

“He was raising money for SAMH. Our family are broken tonight.

“We would like to thank all those who helped him.”

Mrs Anderson has asked people to donate to her husband’s fundraising page on JustGiving.

In a statement, event organisers said: “With deep regret, we can confirm a participant at today’s Pedal for Scotland has passed away in hospital after becoming unwell during the event.

“Emergency services had attended to the person near Avonbridge. Their next of kin have been informed.

“Our heartfelt condolences go to their family and friends at this time.”

Yesterday’s Pedal for Scotland marked the 20th and final edition of the closed road event in which route options are a 45-mile ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh, or a 100 mile route from Edinburgh to Glasgow and back.

It’s the second successive weekend in which a cyclist has lost his life while riding a mass participation event in Scotland.

On Sunday 1 September, 49-year-old Jason Brand from Edinburgh died following a crash at the Tour O The Borders.

> Cyclist killed in Tour O The Borders crash

https://road.cc/content/news/266113-cyclist-killed-tour-o-borders-crash