An amateur bike race ended tragically this past weekend in New Hampshire, USA at the 40th edition of the Concord Criterium when a 33-year-old rider crashed and died while leading the race.

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Evan Barr-Beare (RED KITE COACHING) from Rhode Island was doing what he loved most, racing his bicycle, on Saturday and with a 45 second lead was headed to victory lane when suddenly he veered off course and crashed.

“Evan was having an incredible race, and for many of us, it would be the race of a lifetime,” organiser Sunapee Racing Team said in an email. “On the last lap, Evan experienced an apparent medical issue which resulted in a traumatic crash and his passing.”

Emergency responders on-scene performed CPR until the fire department arrived and transported Barr-Beare to the local hospital where he died.  The Concord Police Department is conducting an investigation while the state medical examiner’s office determines the cause of death.

After the crash, organisers cancelled the race and nullified results out of respect for Barr-Beare.

PHOTOS: K. Bachelder, Bikewise

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