Cyclist’s Death Casts Shadow Over Wet London-Surrey Bike Event

Published on: 11 Aug, 2014
Updated on: 13 Aug, 2014

The Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100 event was overshadowed by the news that a cyclist participating in the event had died of a cardiac failure at Newlands Corner, yesterday (August 10).

Kris Cook, aged 36, collapsed at Newlands Corner from a sudden cardiac arrest and, although prompt medical attention was provided by event doctors on the scene, his death was later confirmed after further attempts to revive him at hospital.

In a wriiten statement a spokesperson for the insurance company and event sponsors Prudential said: “It is with deep sadness that we report the death of a participant in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100.

“Kris was part of a group of 12 riders raising money for Woking Hospice. His mother said that he had died doing something he loved and welcomed donations in Kris’s memory to his Woking Hospice fundraising page on Just Giving.

“The organisers of the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 would like to express their sincere condolences to Kris’s family and friends.

Chief Inspector Dave Mason from Surrey Police said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Kris Cook, the cyclist who tragically died after being taken ill during the Ride London-Surrey event yesterday (10 August).”

The heavy rain and winds that passed through the South East did not deter the thousands of professional and amateur cyclists who took part in the cycle ride.

A team of six cyclists from Surrey Police and Surrey County Council, led by Surrey Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Nick Ephgrave, took part in the exciting challenge which had to be shortened from 100 miles to 86 miles, missing out Box Hill and Leith Hill, due to the adverse weather conditions.

The Police/Surrey County Council team for the London-Surrey cycle event.

Promoting safer cycling under the Drive SMART banner, the team of amateur cyclists set off at 6-40am from the Capital’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, travelling through Surrey’s towns and countryside, before finishing back in London at The Mall. This was a similar route to that of the professionals who took part later on in the day in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic and Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix.

Its umbrellas up as the cyclists pass through West Horsley – Photo Jules Cranwell

Difficult though it was in the appalling conditions, the team raised the issues faced by all road users and gave advice to motorists, spectators and cyclists alike along the way.

Describing the event as “terrific”, Deputy Chief Constable Nick Ephgrave, said: “I’m delighted with how my ride went despite atrocious weather, and am also pleased with what a great team effort this has been.

“Our aim was to highlight some of the issues about road safety, reflecting on the rising popularity of cycling in Surrey and the proportionate rise in road casualties. The weather, although somewhat unpleasant at times underlined just how dangerous roads can be (even without other motor vehicle users) and how cyclists need to ensure they ride within their means in all conditions. But it also highlighted the camaraderie between cyclists and the support many communities give to others.

I would like to thank the organisers for holding such a terrific event, to the teams of on-duty stewards and police officers who have endured the weather to keep everyone safe and to the public of Surrey for turning out in the most appalling conditions to support amateurs and professionals alike.”

Taking part from Surrey Police with Deputy Chief Constable Nick Ephgrave were Detective Constable Sarah Mann, Reigate and Banstead Neighbourhood Inspector Andy Rundle and Detective Sergeant Andy Greaves. They were joined by Road Safety Manager Duncan Knox and Sustainability Team Leader David Sharpington from Surrey County Council.

Mr Sharpington from Surrey County Council said: “Duncan and I decided to take a more leisurely ride than our colleagues despite Hurricane Bertha. Although tackling the hills was going to be a welcoming challenge for us, the decision to exclude them was absolutely right.

“The event also highlighted that there is much we can all do to encourage better understanding between communities and all road users.”

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