PETER BISSELL DIES

STEVENAGE cyclist Peter Bissell, who was due to return to France to continue his development as a professional cyclist next season, died suddenly last Saturday after collapsing while out in his home town with friends.

The 21-year-old received support from the Dave Rayner Fund for the last two years, and spent the last season racing in Brittany. He was due to return for 2008.

A strong rider in many disciplines, Peter has won many events on the track, road and in time trialling, but most recently was part of the winning Arctic-Shorter Rochford RT trio in the National Hill-Climb Championships in Somerset in October, partnering James Dobbin and Danny Axford to victory.

?Peter will be remembered for his sense of fun, will to win and dogged determination,? said Arctic RT team manager Rob Finch. ?This determination saw him to his finest victory in the 2006 National Espoirs Road Race Championships.

?Peter also won many Juvenile and Junior titles and awards during his young and all too short cycling career and was awarded for his efforts with the Chris Boardman Trophy in 2005.

?He will be sadly missed by his many friends and team-mates at Arctic Shorter Rochford RT.?

The family have asked that donations be sent to the Dave Rayner fund, care of Bill Holmes at 6 Brookfield Drive, Littleborough, Lancs OL15 8RH.