Bruce Bursford, he of the big carbon fibre chain ring
and claims to be the fastest cyclist the world, was killed yesterday whilst ou training




Record-breaking cyclist Bruce Bursford has died after a road accident.



The 41-year-old, who set the fastest world static ‘time-trial’ record last year,
died yesterday afternoon after an accident while he was cycling on the A47 in Norfolk.



Mr Bursford, married with two young daughters, was involved in a collision with a
lorry as he headed towards his home town of Dereham at around 2.20pm.



Bursford clocked an average of almost 39mph in Wales last August to beat the 34.50mph
time-trial record over the same distance set by Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman in
1995.



The former schoolboy cycling champion also held nine other speed records as well
as some more obscure ones such as the Eurotunnel solo record and the tandem downhill
world record.



Last year’s feat was achieved on his the bike he claimed cost £25,000 which
he dubbed the Millennium Cycle. It weighed less than 10lb.



The ‘record-breaking’ machine used silica tyres filled with helium and ceramic bearings
designed to revolve with minimum friction.



An earlier machine – the Bursford Ultimate Bike – received a Millennium Product Award
from the Design Council.



Spoon-bender Uri Geller spoke of his disbelief when he discovered the loss of his
friend and described him as "the kindest, purest, most powerful and loving person
I have ever known".



Geller helped Bursford train his mind during his record-breaking bids.