World-record breaking cyclist dies suddenly aged 40

A world-record breaking endurance cyclist who became the fastest man to travel through Europe by bike has died suddenly aged 40.

Lee Fancourt, 40, had a string of global cycling feats to his name including breaking the record for a 4,300mile ride across Europe.

His death has been described as a ‘massive’ shock by the cycling community.

Lee Fancourt, 40, had a string of global cycling feats to his name including breaking the record for a 4,300mile ride across Europe

Mr Fancourt, from Gloucester, broke the record for the fastest cyclist of the Trans Europe challenge – route covering 12 countries.

He set a world record in 21 days, 14 hours and 29 minutes, finishing the final 100 miles with a cracked rib.

On a donation page set up before his challenge Mr Fancourt, who later changed his name to Lee Ridgway, he wrote of how he wanted to complete 10 world records attempts in 12 months

Mr Fancourt said: ‘The route I have planned has over 211,000 ft. of climbing, which is the equivalent of cycling Mt.

‘Everest 7.5 times. I will be cycling around 18 hours per day, and will need to average over 200 miles per day, to break this world record,’ he explained.

Graham Foot, managing director of cycling shop Slam69, posted a heartfelt tribute to the rider on Facebook.

Mr Fancourt, from Gloucester, broke the record for the fastest cyclist of the Trans Europe challenge - route covering 12 countries

Mr Fancourt, from Gloucester, broke the record for the fastest cyclist of the Trans Europe challenge – route covering 12 countries

During the post he described the commitment and endurance Mr Fancourt showed during the Trans Europe challenge.

‘My memories of him will stay with me, the hours I spent following him over crazy hills and roads in all conditions, no matter what he wouldn’t give up’, Mr Foot said.

‘I know this will be a massive shock to all his thousands of followers when he rode around the world, when he smashed the 12, 24 and 48 hour off-road world record, he then went on the smash the trans-Europe north to south record.

‘That was the Lee I knew and he made a lasting impression on both myself and my wife, we often called him parts of the family as we got so involved.

Tributes have flooded onto Facebook after Mr Fancourt's death, with one friend writing on Facebook that he 'never gave up'

Tributes have flooded onto Facebook after Mr Fancourt’s death, with one friend writing on Facebook that he ‘never gave up’

‘I trust he’s now at peace and we will miss him. RIP Lee Fancourt. Endurance Athlete and World Record breaker.

‘I just can’t believe he’s gone.’

Mr Fancourt raised thousands for charities with his travels and is believed to hold several world records for crossing countries, regions and even continents in unparalleled times on his bike. 

Delroy Ellis who worked with and supported Lee on several trips, also paid tribute.

He said: ‘We are devastated to hear the news of Lee Fancourt, hard to find words but we all know what a great guy Lee was – he will be truly missed by so many people.

‘Our thoughts are with Lee’s family and friends at this difficult time.

‘Lee supported the charity and did lots of fundraising for us which we will always be so grateful of,. We will forever remember all the good that you did in helping others.

‘May you rest in peace.’ 

 



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