Vermont USA State Police report a cyclist participating in the Rasputitsa 100K gravel race in East Burke was killed on Saturday morning after a head-on collision with a truck.

The crash occurred at 09:20 am on April 29th, near the intersection of Brook Road and Carter Road. Police investigators believe 54 year-old bike racer Richard Wanstall crossed the center of the road during the event and crashed head-on into a Dodge pick-up truck coming the opposite direction.

The race was halted while race participants rendered aid to Wanstall, called emergency medics and even performed CPR. Wanstall was then rushed by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. 

“At this time, neither speed nor impairment are believed to be contributing factors in the collision,” Vermont State Police said. 

1400 Rasputitsa riders were racing on 40, 70 and 100 kilometers long routes on the day of the crash, with roads open to automobile traffic and riders directed to follow all rules of the road.

“We are deeply saddened by the news that one of our community members died today, after colliding with a vehicle while on course,” the organizer said in press release.

Photo Credit: Oncorus/Richard Wanstall 

© 2019-2023 All Rights Reserved Gran Fondo Daily News / GFDN