Thatcham resident completes 100-mile RideLondon race

70-year-old speaks of near misses on charity ride

A 70-year-old Thatcham resident has spoken of his pride at completing a 100-mile cycle race in memory of his friend.

Roger Hunt witnessed a few near misses while taking part in the Prudential RideLondon on Sunday.

One person died and others were seriously wounded while taking on the course.

Robin Chard, 48, from Bicester, suffered a cardiac arrest at the 25-mile mark. Race organisers released a statement expressing their sincere condolences to Mr Chard’s family and friends.

A total of 33 riders were taken to hospital and seven were kept in hospital the day after the race.

Three riders were also seriously injured.

Recounting the race, Mr Hunt set off from the Olympic Stadium with an estimated 28,000 participants.

Riding his customised racing bike, sponsored by Specialized Concept Store in Hambridge Road, Newbury, Mr Hunt was on schedule for the first 43 miles until the race was stopped because of an accident.

An air ambulance was called after a cyclist crashed into a tree, delaying riders by an hour and 45 minutes.

Mr Hunt said that he was very concerned for the cyclist involved and that social media had helped to keep riders updated to the situation.

Following the restart he made another good eight miles until the race had to be stopped again near Leith Hill. Another air ambulance had to be dispatched after two cyclists collided.

After an hour and 20 minute delay he reached Box Hill in Surrey, where a diversion was put in place because of a backlog of riders.

He finally finished at The Mall after nine hours and 54 seconds, where it was so crowded that his family couldn’t see him cross the line.

Mr Hunt missed his target of completing the race in under five hours; finishing in five hours and 52 minutes once delays were factored out.

When asked about the mood of cyclists surrounding the delays, Mr Hunt said: “Myself and others were a little annoyed to miss our targets on time completion, but we were also pleased to have the opportunity to help the charities.”

Mr Hunt was riding in memory of his friend, Derek Jackson, who had raised money for Prostate Cancer UK but died of the disease earlier this year.

His widow and family turned out to support Mr Hunt on his charity quest.

After a grueling 16-hour day he made it home to Thatcham “tired but having enjoyed a worthwhile eventful weekend”.

Mr Hunt said that he felt fine and was pleased with himself for finishing the 100-mile race.

He has raised more than £1,000 and donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ROGER-HUNT1 until August 31.