British man's sudden death 'hard to comprehend' after fall from bike in Majorca
A British man died after falling during an amateur bike race on the Spanish island of Majorca.
Phil Williams, 39, was known for 'waiting at the top of the hills' for the rest of Liverpool Braveheart Bicycle Club to catch up.
'For us Phil's 'social' pace was anything but', said Hannah Fawcett, paying tribute to his kindness and generosity after he died on Saturday.
He had been one of roughly 8,500 participants in Majorca 312, an annual amateur road race around the largest of the Balearic Islands, finishing at Playa de Muro.
Phil is understood to have fallen off his bike, crashed into railings and gone into cardiac arrest between Esporles and Valldemossa.
It is not yet clear whether he died from his injuries, or if a pre-existing health condition led to the fall on the Mediterranean island.
Event organisers said: 'Mallorca 312 OK Mobility deeply regrets the death of a participant during the celebration of the event after suffering a fall.
'We want to offer our most sincere condolences to the rider's family and loved ones and we have already made ourselves available to offer them all the support they need at these so difficult moments. Rest in peace.' https://www.instagram.com/p/DI8fVQwsdix/?img_index=1
Hannah said: 'Phil will be deeply missed by us all. An exceptional bike rider with so many outstanding achievements and a wonderful person too.
'Phil joined the club just two years ago to join us in some longer 'social' rides as he was building back fitness.'
Describing Phil as a 'team player' who also messaged to say thanks after rides, Hannah said: 'Just a few weeks ago Phil rode out to support our club 10mile TT.
'After a while it was clear it was far too cold to stand around in cycling kit. Phil cycled home, got changed and drove out to continue to support, right until the end to get the result sorted and gazebo down.
'He will be remembered always and hold a place in our hearts forever.
It is so terribly hard to comprehend what has happened. Our thoughts, love and deepest sympathies with his family and friends at this very sad time.'
Well-known in Liverpool's cycling circles, Phil's death has 'truly devastated' the local community, according to family's run bike shop Giant Store Liverpool.
Describing him as a 'cycling legend, colleague and friend', a spokesperson said: 'We can't believe you're gone. All our thoughts are with your friends and family.'
Stephen Doherty, a fellow member of Liverpool Braveheart, said: 'I have lost a friend and I can't believe this has happened. I am devastated.'
William Radcliffe said: 'Phil was such a great lad. Condolences to Phil's family; such a tragedy my heart goes out to them.'
Louise Johnson said: 'This is shocking news! So sorry to hear. He was a really lovely guy. Top of his game in cycling & so humble. Rest in piece Phil.'
Further afield in Leicestershire, the Coalville-based personal coach Matt Bottrill expressed his 'profound sadness' at the loss of a 'cherished member of Team Bottrill'.
He had known Phil since spotting his 'remarkable results' in 2019. Phil went on to win several national medals.
Writing on Facebook, Matt said: 'I always recognised that Phil wasn't just an exceptional athlete but also a genuine team player.
'After the sub-7, Phil faced a challenging time when he broke his hip while competing in the Isle of Man Gran Fondo. It took him years to fully recover and regain his fitness, but his determination never wavered.
'Towards the end of last year, we began making significant progress, and we developed a comprehensive plan for his comeback this season. Over the past few months, we were in constant contact, strategising to win the road bike nationals.
'We assembled the ultimate bike and shared endless banter and ideas on how to gain an edge.
'Phil finished second on that day, a result we were both immensely proud of, and we then planned a full assault on all the national championships.
'I even joked and said, 'Well, if you're coming back, I'll ride the national 3-up'.
'Anyone who knew Phil will attest to what a wonderful person he truly was. Softly spoken, always ready to make you smile, and often finishing his sentences with 'Yes, sound.'
'His loss is a tragedy, and I promise, Phil, you will not be forgotten.
'This experience makes me realise why I set up the team – to meet incredible athletes like yourself.
'I have so many memories, buddy, and I will miss you dearly. No words can adequately describe the loss. I'm going to miss you, buddy. My thoughts go to your family.'
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
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