British cyclist dies after fall on Costa Blanca road; police investigate

A British cyclist has died after falling from his racing bike on a coastal road in the Costa Blanca region of Spain, police said on Sunday. The man, who has not been identified, was riding a Cannondale racing bike on a busy road called Mediterranean Avenue near Carabassi Beach in Gran Alacant, south of Alicante, when he left the bike during a hill climb. Local police, the Civil Guard and emergency services responded, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are examining whether a sudden health issue contributed to the incident.

The incident occurred in a residential area of Gran Alacant, just south of Alicante. It is unclear whether the cyclist lived in the area or was visiting. Witnesses told authorities there was no collision with a vehicle; the fall happened as the rider attempted the hill climb on the coastal road. Civil Guard officers were seen removing the bike from a grassy embankment along the roadside, and investigators have not ruled out other possibilities as they review surveillance and talk to witnesses.

In recent months, Spain's cycling scene has seen tragedies at amateur events in the Balearic Islands. In April, a British rider died during Mallorca 312, a well-known race on Mallorca; Phillip Williams, 39, died after a fall on April 26 as he rode the course. The Mallorca 312 has drawn attention this year for its demanding course and participation by riders from around Europe. In May, a 54-year-old British woman was seriously injured in a bicycle crash on Majorca's Ma-10 near Fornalutx. Authorities did not provide further details about her condition.

Local authorities say there is no indication of foul play at this stage; police are reviewing medical factors and road conditions as part of the ongoing investigation. A local Santa Pola paper cited investigators as saying they were looking into whether a sudden health issue contributed to the fall. No information about whether the cyclist lived locally or was visiting has been released.

The Costa Blanca remains a popular destination for cyclists, with coastal routes and hills drawing riders from Spain and abroad. Officials urged caution on busy roads and for cyclists to wear proper safety gear, though no specific advisories have been issued in connection with this incident.