Tributes pour in for British 'cycling legend' killed in horror Majorca race fall

Tributes have been paid to a British who died yesterday competing in a famous amateur race.

Phillip Williams, 39, died after a fall despite attempts by emergency medical responders to save him. A probe into the tragedy was ongoing today, with investigators saying it was too early to confirm whether Mr Williams had died because of the injuries he sustained after coming off the road and crashing into railings or if his death was linked to a previous health problem he suffered that led to the fall. Hannah Fawcett, from Braveheart Cycle Club, issued a statement today.

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She said: “It is with great sadness I write that our club mate Phil Williams tragically died following a fatal accident in the Majorca 312 yesterday. Phil will be deeply missed by us all. An exceptional bike rider with so many outstanding achievements and a wonderful person too.

“Phil joined the club just two years ago to join us in some longer ‘social ‘ rides as he was building back fitness. For us Phil’s ‘social’ pace was nothing but, however his kindness and generosity meant he would be calmly waiting at the top of the hills, or just sit on the front of the group pulling us along at our pace on the flatter bit. Always messaging to say thanks for the ride afterwards.

“Phil was a team player, just a few weeks ago Phil ride out to support our club 10mile TT. After a while it was clear it was far too cold to stand around in cycling kit. Phil cycled home, got changed and drove out to continue to support, right until the end to get the result sorted and gazebo down.

“He will be remembered always and hold a place in our hearts forever. It is so terribly hard to comprehend what has happened. Our thoughts, love and deepest sympathies with his family and friends at this very sad time.” A spokeswoman for Liverpool family-run bicycle shop Giant Store Liverpool said in a tribute: “Truly devastated. Phil Williams, cycling legend, colleague and friend.

“We can’t believe you’re gone. All our thoughts are with your friends and family.” Personal coach Matt Bottrill, whose company is called Matt Bottrill Performance Coaching, wrote on : “It is with such profound sadness that I write this message. I deeply regret to inform you that Phil Williams, a cherished member of Team Bottrill, tragically passed away following a fatal accident while riding in the Mallorca 312. This is an immense blow to all of us, and my deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

“I first had the pleasure of getting to know Phil back in 2019 when his remarkable results caught my attention. From that point on, Phil became an integral part of our team, not only as a coached athlete but also as a dear friend. We embarked on so many journeys together, and it is incredibly difficult to comprehend that he is no longer with us.

“Phil’s accomplishments were numerous; he won several national medals and was a crucial member of the sub-7 team. I always recognised that Phil wasn’t just an exceptional athlete but also a genuine team player. After the sub-7, Phil faced a challenging time when he broke his hip while competing in the Isle of Man Gran Fondo. It took him years to fully recover and regain his fitness, but his determination never wavered.

“Towards the end of last year, we began making significant progress, and we developed a comprehensive plan for his comeback this season. Over the past few months, we were in constant contact, strategising to win the road bike nationals. We assembled the ultimate bike and shared endless banter and ideas on how to gain an edge. Phil finished second on that day, a result we were both immensely proud of, and we then planned a full assault on all the national championships. I even joked and said, 'Well, if you’re coming back, I’ll ride the national 3-up.'

"Anyone who knew Phil will attest to what a wonderful person he truly was. Softly spoken, always ready to make you smile, and often finishing his sentences with 'Yes, sound.' His loss is a tragedy, and I promise, Phil, you will not be forgotten.

“This experience makes me realise why I set up the team - to meet incredible athletes like yourself. I have so many memories, buddy, and I will miss you dearly. No words can adequately describe the loss. I’m going to miss you, buddy. My thoughts go to your family.” 

Mr Williams is understood to have died before he reached Rotger Clinic in Palma, the hospital he was being taken to after he was attended to by medical responders at the scene of his accident. Yesterday was the 15th edition of the Mallorca 312.

Around 8,500 cyclists took part, with the first ones leaving the start line at 6.30am local time. Participants covered one of three distances - the marathon 312 kilometres and shorter ones of 167 and 225 kilometres. It was not immediately clear which of the distances the British cyclist had signed up to do. A Brazilian participant in the event, Rodrigo Carrera, said after the drama: “I passed when they were doing CPR. Really sad. Condolences to family and friends.”

A police source said: “He came off the road and hit security barriers. Investigators will have to wait for the autopsy results to see whether he suffered some sort of health problem before the fall.” A full statement from the event organisers about the British man’s death, released late yesterday, said: “Mallorca 312 OK Mobility deeply regrets the death of a participant during the celebration of the event after suffering a fall.

“We want to offer our most sincere condolences to the rider’s family and loved ones and we have already made ourselves available to offer them all the support they need at these so difficult moments. Rest in peace.”