Cyclist Dies During London Road Race Event

Tributes have been paid to a cyclist who died during the RideLondon event on Sunday.

It is not thought Robin Chard was involved in two serious crashes which occurred during the event from the capital to Surrey and back. 

His niece wrote that Mr Chard, who suffered from cancer when he was younger, was raising money for cancer research.

"We are all incredibly proud of him," she said. "Unfortunately, today Robin did not manage to finish the race as he sadly passed away during the event.

"Please could we share and continue to raise as much money as possible for a true hero! We love you."

Writing on his JustGiving page before the event, Mr Chard said: "Those that know me probably think I'm totally barking even attempting such a feat.

"But I want to help raise money for this charity to try and find more effective and permanent cures and improve the treatments available today.

"I'll try and add updates on how my training progresses, but If you should see a middle aged bloke riding a road bike, dressed in dodgy looking lycra with a beer belly, drive past slowly as it may well be me!"

Around 27,000 amateur cyclists took part in the event, which started and finished in London and wound its way through 100 miles of roads.

Two serious crashes among the amateurs on the route disrupted the professional race that followed it, which included three-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome.

Both crashes required the air ambulance, and an emergency diversion was put in place.

A rider hit a tree in one of the accidents.