Caitlin Quinn
A 36-YEAR-OLD Spanish man has died in Velez-Malaga after suffering from heatstroke while cycling.
The Junta’s regional health authorities insisted he had been taking ‘very intense physical activity’ around midday when he collapsed.
The man suffered seizures and a fever above 40 degrees and was rushed to Comarcal Hospital, where he later died.
Having once been a dedicated long distance cyclist, I am not surprised at this man’s death. On my first multi thousand kilometre tour of France in the heat of summer, I was warned that it is imperative to drink lots of water. No matter how hot it had become or the taste – drink. When your urine is a deep yellow you are already in danger.
Being a member of the CTC forum I am amazed at the number of cyclists who tour Spain or any other country in extreme temps. What is the attraction. On my first French tour I turned back when the temps. reached 100F.
Whereas winter touring is great even in very cold temps. Cycling generates a lot of heat so on really hot days how does the body dissipate heat into an already hot atmosphere. Cycling is’nt tainted by stupid nationalism – nothing better than meeting other cyclists at camp sites or on the road and sharing info and stories – all cyclists will be sorry to hear of this man’s death.
Mr Crawford, I had you down as a cyclist!!!
pg,
I always had you down as a sofaman.