Here’s a sad tale. The Transcontinental Race is described as follows:

“Race from Flanders to Istanbul via checkpoints at some of cycling’s most iconic locations and Europe’s historic landmarks. The route you take is up to you but will be at least 2500 miles of riding and some serious climbing.”

It is now in its 5th year – the riders set off only yesterday from Belgium – and the organisers were determined to continue with the race despite the tragic death of the long-distance cyclist Mike Hall who was one of its founders and directors. He was killed whilst cycling across Australia in a similar race earlier in the year.

“The PEdAL ED Transcontinental Race is the definitive self-supported bicycle race across Europe.  At the sharp end it is a beautifully hard bicycle race, simple in design but complex in execution.  Factors of self reliance, logistics, navigation and judgement burden racers’ minds as well as their physiques.  The strongest excel and redefine what we think possible while many experienced riders target only a finish.”

Which is why this afternoon’s already tragic news is even more so:

It puts other things into perspective. Take care on the roads.