One thousand cyclists ride in Sydney in memory of Mike Hall

One thousand cyclists gathered in Sydney this morning to ride in memory of Mike Hall, the British ultracyclist killed on Friday at the age of 35 while taking part in the inaugural Indian Pacific Wheel Race.

Kristoff Allegaert, who was leading the IWPR when news broke on Friday morning of Hall’s death in a road traffic collision near Canberra, led the ride to commemorate his friend and rival.

> Tributes paid to Mike Hall following his death during Indian Pacific Wheel Race

Thursday had seen the pair exchange the race leadership several times as they battled to be the first to reach the Pacific Ocean.

This morning’s tribute ride began at the Rapha Cycle Club in the Surry Hills and ended at Sydney Opera House where the IWPR, cancelled by organisers after Hall’s death, had been due to end.

1,000 cyclists pay tribute to #MikeHall today at Opera House. So many tears, so much inspiration....#IPWR pic.twitter.com/j7LGRxabOS

— Nora Hifon (@nippie_sweety) April 2, 2017

#rideformike #IPWR #BeMoreMike pic.twitter.com/PztjpriUot

— Julian Stockwell (@Julioenroaro) April 1, 2017

Rides also took place in other cities across Australia, with the race capturing the public’s imagination since the 70 competitors left Fremantle, Western Australia a fortnight ago.

Among them were Adelaide and Melbourne, both of which Hall past through in the days before his death.

Melbourne riders pay their respects to Mike Hall @bicycle_network #IPWR pic.twitter.com/4eoKLV5TDT

— Craig Richards (@richobicycle) April 1, 2017

Fed square Melb is full of riders ready to thank Mike Hall for bringing such joy and inspiration @bicycle_network pic.twitter.com/lQMZoPBusk

— Craig Richards (@richobicycle) April 1, 2017

> Donations for partner and family of Mike Hall triple £20,000 target in a day