Two investigations have been launched into the death of a West Sussex cyclist who tragically died after a crash during a competition at Lee Valley VeloPark, part of London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Paul Atkinson, 45, from Bedenscroft in Bognor Regis, was taking part in a cycling event on Saturday, 22 March when he collided with another rider, was thrown over his handlebars, and suffered catastrophic injuries.
‘Tragic Incident’ at Olympic Venue
An inquest into Mr Atkinson’s death was formally opened by Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine on Monday, 14 April, at East London Coroner’s Court in Walthamstow.
Mr Irvine described the incident as a “tragic incident” and “dreadfully sad,” explaining that the cyclist appeared to sustain a traumatic cervical spine fracture after being thrown from his bicycle and hitting his head on the track.
His heart stopped at the scene, and despite rapid intervention by the London Ambulance Service, including resuscitative efforts lasting over an hour at Royal London Hospital, Mr Atkinson was pronounced dead at 12:55pm.
Club Tribute and Inquest Proceedings
Michael Waite, secretary of Velo Club St Raphael, the team Mr Atkinson had represented for many years, paid tribute:
“Paul was a credit to Velo Club St Raphael over many years as a rider and a person. He will be sadly missed by his family and the club.”
The coroner confirmed that the inquest will continue with three parties granted interested person status: Mr Atkinson’s family, Velo Club St Raphael, and Lee Valley VeloPark. This status allows them to review evidence and question witnesses during the full inquest, which is scheduled for 13 October.
Mr Irvine also ordered that CCTV footage from the venue be preserved and requested statements from all staff present at the time of the incident.
British Cycling Launches Separate Investigation
In addition to the coroner’s inquest, British Cycling, the national governing body for the sport in England, has launched its own independent investigation into the fatal incident.
“Paul was regarded highly by the wider cycling community and will be missed by all who knew him,” a British Cycling spokesperson said. “We sincerely thank the emergency services, first aiders, and VeloPark staff for their swift response.”
Venue Response
A spokesperson for Lee Valley VeloPark, which was built for the London 2012 Olympic Games, declined to comment directly on the coroner’s investigation but said:
“We will support British Cycling in its investigation if and when required.”
Community in Mourning
Mr Atkinson’s death has deeply affected the UK cycling community, prompting widespread tributes from fellow riders, clubs, and race organisers. His passing is a stark reminder of the risks involved in high-speed competitive cycling and has renewed calls for stringent safety checks at major cycling venues.
More details are expected to emerge as the investigations progress, with both the coroner and British Cycling expected to publish findings later this year.
Anyone with further information regarding the incident is urged to contact the inquest team or British Cycling’s investigation unit.
