Tributes were paid today to a “kind and loving” father of two who died during a 120-mile overnight cycling event.
Dominic Turner, 39, from Walthamstow, was cycling in the Dunwich Dynamo ride from London to Suffolk on Saturday when he fell ill.
The cycling enthusiast is understood to have collapsed in Finchingfield near Braintree in Essex during the ride between London Fields in Hackney and the Suffolk coast.
Paramedics and fellow cyclists performed first aid at the roadside before he was pronounced dead.
Caroline Brooks, 38, paid tribute to the “kind, loving” friend she has known since they grew up together in Blackpool. The Goldsmiths university student, from Hackney, said: “He was my best friend and he got along with everyone he met. Everyone loved him. Everyone we knew from home is just devastated.”
Mr Turner, who worked for an events company, was retraining as a bike mechanic, a field in which friends said he had hoped to begin a new career.
Relative Victoria Kerr added: “On behalf of myself and Dominic’s parents I’d like to say a huge thank you to all those who tried to help him.
“We are taking lots of comfort from the fact that he passed away doing something he loved. Keep on riding.”
Corrine Streetly, 56, director of a Blackpool art gallery where Mr Turner volunteered, said: “He was quirky and funny but very easy-going … a kind, gentle soul.”
Friends said Mr Turner had become dedicated to fitness to combat the effects of muscle-wasting disease myotonic dystrophy.
Andy Cawdell, the chairman and co-ordinator of Southwark Cyclists, which organised a convoy to bring cyclists and bikes back to London after the ride, said: “I offer my condolences on behalf of myself and the group for his untimely death.”
Friend Kurt Walsh said he was “devastated” about Mr Turner’s death and described him as an “amazing guitarist, hilarious and a true brother in arms”.
Kevin Pratchett said: “I am so shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Dominic Turner. It’s a been a pleasure and a privilege knowing you and already so sadly missed.”
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A marshal at the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey cycle event on Sunday was seriously injured in a collision with a female rider on a crossing point at Epsom Road in Leatherhead. The marshal was taken to hospital by paramedics, where she was today in a stable but serious condition.
A spokeswoman for the race said they were assisting police with their investigation, and Surrey Police appealed for witnesses to call 01483 639922.
A total of 26,720 riders completed RideLondon, which had 46-mile and 19-mile events. Cyclists set off from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and made their way along routes through London and Surrey.
