West Sussex Cyclist Dies in Crash at Olympic Velodrome
Paul Atkinson, 45, from Bognor Regis, tragically died after a horrific crash at London’s Lee Valley VeloPark during a cycling event on Saturday, 22 March. The veteran rider was thrown over his handlebars after colliding with another cyclist and suffered catastrophic injuries.
‘Tragic Incident’ at London’s Olympic Venue
The inquest into Mr Atkinson’s death opened on Monday, 14 April, at East London Coroner’s Court with Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine calling it a “tragic incident” and “dreadfully sad.”
Mr Atkinson suffered a traumatic cervical spine fracture and hit his head on the track. His heart stopped at the scene. Despite swift and heroic efforts by the London Ambulance Service and over an hour of resuscitation at Royal London Hospital, he was pronounced dead at 12:55pm.
Tributes and Inquest Details
Michael Waite, secretary of Velo Club St Raphael, the club Paul had represented for 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 inquest will continue with three parties granted full access: Paul’s family, his cycling club, and Lee Valley VeloPark. The full hearing is set for 13 October.
The coroner has ordered the preservation of CCTV footage from the venue and requested statements from all staff present during the crash.
British Cycling Launches Independent Probe
British Cycling, the sport’s governing body in England, has opened a separate investigation into the fatal crash.
“Paul was regarded highly by the wider cycling community and will be missed by all who knew him,” a spokesperson said. “We sincerely thank the emergency services, first aiders, and VeloPark staff for their swift response.”
Venue Stays Tight-Lipped
Lee Valley VeloPark, built for the London 2012 Olympics, has declined to comment directly on the coroner’s proceedings but pledged:
“We will support British Cycling in its investigation if and when required.”
Community in Shock
The cycling world is reeling from Paul Atkinson’s death. Fellow riders, clubs, and race organisers have paid heartfelt tributes. The tragedy has sparked urgent calls for tougher safety measures at high-speed cycling venues across the UK.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the inquest team or British Cycling’s investigation unit.
