Pothole that claimed life of cyclist 'should have been filled in before Christmas'
Kate Vanloo, 52, was hit by a car after a pothole caused her to crash - a pothole that was scheduled to be fixed before Christmas
A 52-year-old cyclist died on January 3 after hitting a pothole that reportedly should have been filled in before Christmas.
Kate Vanloo was thrown into the path of a car after hitting the pothole on a country lane in Warwickshire - a road that was scheduled to be resurfaced in December.
The work was reportedly postponed after a request by a farm selling Christmas trees on Holt Lane, near Southam. The hole was reportedly then filled in within 48-hours of Mrs Vanloo's death.
“Road closure signs went up last month, but then nothing happened," Neil Adkins, owner of a local campsite, told the Daily Mail.
“The incident was just a tragic accident. If it wasn’t for the pothole the lady would never have come off the bike, as I understand it. The car driver wasn’t to blame.”
Phil Scott, member of the same Rugby Triathlon Club that the mother-of-three belonged to, added: “Potholes are a major problem all over the country.
“Even though we are in a time of austerity, they need to be tackled. I don’t think that many motorists realise that if a cyclist moved out into the road they are not being difficult. They may well be trying to avoid a pothole.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Mrs Vanloo was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics from the West Midlands Ambulance Service, while the driver of the car - a woman in her 60s - was treated at the scene for shock.
“While we are all trying to come to terms with the loss of such a wonderful mother, sister, daughter and friend we are mindful that Kate died doing something that she truly loved and was her passion,” Mrs Vanloo's family said in a statement.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.