MYSTERY surrounds the cause of an accident that led to the death of a super fit cyclist, an inquest has heard.

Martin Clive Bridgeman, 48, was discovered on the ground beneath his bike and unable to move by his daughter’s boyfriend during a family break in February.

Mr Bridgeman, of Fiveacres, Combe St Nicholas, had enjoyed a ride with his wife, daughter and her boyfriend at Holden Forest Park, Exeter, before tackling a more difficult course with Ashley Day.

A statement from Mr Day read to the hearing said: “He was travelling quickly. I followed but didn’t see him fall.

“I came across him lying head first with his legs either side and the bike on top of him.

“He was conscious but couldn’t move.”

Mr Bridgeman, who was conscious but could not recall what had caused him to fall off, began gasping for air and fitting.

After paramedics arrived on the scene, he was taken to hospital in Exeter and later transferred to Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, where he died on June 11.

Senior coroner for Somerset Tony Williams recorded a conclusion of accidental death.

The cause of death was pneumonia, fractured cervical vertebrae with spinal cord and renal failure.