Cycling stars death was a tragedy, says coroner

A Coroner today paid tribute to cycling star Bruce Bursford after hearing how the rider died when he was involved in a collision with a lorry while out training.

Mr Bursford, 41, of Dereham, Norfolk, was cycling along the A47 Norwich bypass at Easton when the accident happened in February, an inquest at Norwich was told.

Coroner William Armstrong, who recorded a verdict of accidental death, said: "This was a tremendous tragedy of a man who had a distinguished career and brought pleasure to so many people and was thought of in high regard."

Mr Bursford, 41, an international who held 10 world cycling records and designed the Ultimate Bike, was on a training run along the bypass when he was struck from behind by a Ford Iveco lorry, the inquest was told.

Cefyn Lloyd, the cyclist’s trainer, told police Mr Bursford always rode in the main carriageway about one-and-a-half metres from the inside of the road, and wore bright kit to make himself visible, the inquest heard.

Mr Lloyd said Mr Bursford normally rode at a speed of between 20mph to 25mph.

At the time of the accident Mr Bursford, who had told his wife Tracey that the ride would take him about two hours, was wearing a white, red and blue jacket with yellow cuffs and yellow on the collar, a white woolly hat and cycling glasses.

Lorry driver Darren Greenwood, 35, of Toftwood, Dereham, Norfolk, has been accused of driving without due care and attention and is due to appear before magistrates in the near future.