A KEEN cyclist died from head injuries after he fell from his bike on a bend in a Suffolk village, an inquest has heard.

A KEEN cyclist died from head injuries after he fell from his bike on a bend in a Suffolk village, an inquest has heard.

Ron Philpot, 70, was on a training ride with members of the Plomesgate Cycling Club when the accident happened, in Low Road, Sweffling, on February 21.

Mr Philpot, of The Street, Ashford-cum-Thorpe, was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridgeshire, but died on March 11, yesterday's hearing at Lowestoft Magistrates' Court heard. He was not wearing a cycle helmet.

The three cyclists were travelling east from Framlingham towards Saxmundham when they descended a steep hill before coming to a sharp bend in Sweffling. Lead rider Trevor Figgitt successfully negotiated the bend, but Mr Philpot and another cyclist fell from their bikes.

In a statement, Mr Figgitt, said the riders knew the section of road well, but that it was damp on the day of the accident.

He added: “I was passing through the bend when I heard the familiar noise of something screeching across the road. I knew without looking behind me that a rider had come to grief.”

The EADT previously reported how an investigation was launched after about half dozen cyclists fell from their bikes around the same time of Mr Philpot's fall.

The inquest was told there was a suggestion contaminants such as oil or diesel were on the road, but subsequent investigations proved this was not the case.

Mr Philpot, who had three children, Andrea, Oliver, and Jules, and four grandchildren, was an avid member of the cycling club and produced its monthly newsletter. He was also an accomplished musician.

At the time of his death his family described him as an “inspiration to us all”.

His son, Jules Fayle-Parr Philpot, added: “It is true that he could maintain an average speed of around 21mph over a 10-mile course. He was 70 years old so that is pretty special.

“He touched the lives of many people, bringing them happiness, laughter, positivity and encouragement.”

Greater Suffolk deputy coroner Yvonne Blake recorded a verdict of accidental death.