82-year-old Warwickshire cyclist dies while taking part in time trial

An 82-year-old cyclist from Rugby has died while taking part in a time trial after apparently riding into the back of a stationary lorry. Ken Rushall of Rugby Racing Cycling Club was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which happened at 7.15pm on Tuesday evening on Straight Mile Road near Rugby.

A spokesman from West Midlands Ambulance Service told the Coventry Telegraph: “From the outset it was apparent that nothing could be done to save this person who was confirmed dead at the scene.”

Rugby Road Cycling Club treasurer Laurie Bird told the newspaper: “I was stunned to hear the news having known Ken and his wife, Mary, for many years.

“Ken had been riding all his life. He was the fittest 80-year-old I have ever known.

“He was very healthy and very fit and continued riding regularly, even while doing his National Service. He always kept on going.

“He was a quiet man and inoffensive.

“He never said a bad word against anybody and never failed to impress us all.

"From what other riders in the race have told me it seems a lorry pulled up at the end of the road and Ken clearly didn’t see it and that is the only conclusion we can come to at the moment.

He added: “It is unfortunate that accidents like this can sometimes happen.”

Warwickshire Police are asking anyone who saw the incident, or who saw a yellow Mercedes, a white lorry or the cyclist himself prior to the accident to call PC 928 Matt Morrall on 01926 415000, voicemail 10928.

Last year, another Warwickshire cyclist, Cath Ward from Claverdon, was aso killed while taking part in a time trial after she was hit by a car between Alcester and Bidford-on-Avon.