news, national

A three-day inquest starting in Canberra on Monday will seek answers about the death of respected British cyclist Mike Hall. Hall was struck by a car on March 31 last year on the Monaro Highway, south of the national capital about 6.22am. Known as one of the best ultra-endurance riders in the world, Hall was running second in the inaugural Indian Pacific Wheel Race - a single-stage unsupported 5500km event from Fremantle to Sydney. On the morning of his death, Hall is understood to have been on the correct side of the road but was struck by a car from behind and died from his injuries at the scene. GPS data seen by the Australian Cycle Alliance showed Hall spent seven hours resting in Cooma the night before and five hours the night before that in the Victorian town of Corryong. Two videos show Hall's rear lights were a quality brand and shone brightly, the Alliance said. Police spoke with the car driver at the time but no charges were laid. In a series of tweets during the race, Hall wrote of some "close fast passes" by cars on Victorian roads. His death sent shock waves across the global cycling community, with thousands of riders taking part in tribute events in Australian cities, including one at the Sydney Opera House where the race was due to finish. As well, cyclist James Hayden raised more than $140,000 online from more than 3000 supporters to help Hall's family. Hayden wrote: "Mike will be remembered by us all for his kindness, good heart and bravery. Mike was a shining light in many of our lives, enabling us to find the best of ourselves." The Australian Cycle Alliance said on its website it hoped ACT coroner Dr Bernadette Boss was presented with "complete and balanced evidence" and the final report would shed light on the full circumstances of Hall's death. It was also important the findings led to improved safety for cyclists not only in the ACT but across the country and internationally. Australian Associated Press

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