Fellow riders rushed to help Mr Ozols who collapsed at the 13th mile
A cyclist has died after collapsing during the annual RideLondon event between the capital and Surrey. Maris Ozols, a 67-year-old father of four from West London, suffered a cardiac arrest on Cromwell Road at around the 13-mile mark.
A statement from the organisers of the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 46 offered condolences for this tragic loss, "With deep sadness, we confirm the death of a participant in the 2017 Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 46… Everyone involved in Prudential RideLondon would like to express our sincere condolences to Maris’s family and friends."
Maris’s son, Martin, added, "Maris lived life to the full. He was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather who refused to get old. He died doing what he loved."
More than 28,000 cyclists took part in Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 and RideLondon-Surrey 46 race, which was introduced recently – offering amateurs a taste of the longer race but less than half of the distance.
The event sees riders go from the Olympic Park in east London, through Leatherhead, Oxshott and Esher before finishing on the Mall.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Ozols on his MyDonate fundraising page, set up to support the British Heart Foundation.
Bill Neely wrote, "From another rider. You will have inspired your children. And many others."
Paul Savill wrote, "I am so sorry to hear about the loss of a fellow rider in the London 100, my thoughts and sincere condolences are with you."
No further details will be released and the family has asked for privacy. The exact cause of death will be established by later medical examination.
- To donate to Maris's fundraising page click here
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