A CYCLIST killed in a time trial when his bike ploughed into the back of a caravan on the A63 died accidentally, an inquest has ruled.
Christopher Auker, 65, was travelling at between 27mph and 30mph when he hit the stationary caravan, which had pulled up with a flat tyre on the edge of the westbound carriageway near South Cave.
He suffered multiple fractures and died instantly.
The caravan was being pulled by a Landrover Freelander, driven by Elliot Smith, when it suffered a blowout and pulled onto the side of the road.
At an inquest earlier today, coroner Professor Paul Marks said Mr Smith had acted appropriately in the moments before the accident on March 29 this year.
Mr Auker, from Selby, would have had at least 30 seconds to avoid the caravan but is believed to have been riding in a hunched position adopted by racing cyclists to improve their speed. His vision would have been focused on the ground, meaning he probably did not see the caravan.
Professor Marks said: "It's likely Mr Auker did not see the caravan due to his head being down.
"This precluded his taking adequate evasive action.
"This was a wholly avoidable incident."
About 100 cyclists were taking part in the race organised by Hull City Road Club.
