Llangollen bike race spectator dies of injuries, inquest told

Judith Garrett was airlifted to hospital by air ambulance where she later died

A spectator who was hit by a mountain bike during a race died from head injuries, an inquest heard.

Judith Garrett, 29, of Prudhoe, Northumberland, died hours after being airlifted to hospital from the downhill race near Llangollen, Denbighshire.

North Wales East and Central coroner John Gittins adjourned the inquest to a full hearing in January.

Pathologist Dr Andrew Dalton gave the provisional cause of death as major traumatic head injury.

Ms Garrett, a senior quality control officer, was struck during a race on 31 August which was part of the Borderline Event UK DH Series, the inquest in Ruthin was told on Monday.

In a statement, British Cycling said it treated the safety of competitors and spectators as "the highest priority" and that it is conducting a full investigation.

Bob Howden, president of British Cycling, said: "Our sympathies and thoughts are with the friends and family at this moment.

"This is a tragic incident which will sadden everyone in the cycling community."