The family of amateur cyclist Barry Covington, who died from heat stroke at the age of 36 after competing in the 2017 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in France, has reached a six-figure financial settlement with the UCI and insurers of the event.

Covington, representing Great Britain, collapsed from heat stroke just before the finish of the 93 mile UCI Gran Fondo World Championship road race in the southern French city of Albi in 2017, where temperatures soared to over 93F and humidity reached 70% during the race. Although he received immediate medical care and was rushed to hospital, he died one week later.

In August 2022 Covington’s family retained legal counsel and filed claim against the UCI and AXA France, insurer of the UCI, on the grounds of negligence and a breach of duty.

Now that claim has now been resolved with the family receiving a “significant” six figure sum, according to Rebecca Gilmore of Hugh James, the legal firm representing the family. The exact amount of the settlement has not been made public.

In addition, the UCI plans change its high heat temperature protocol to “reduce the risk of heat-related accidents” at UCI sanctioned events for professionals and amateurs, including the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships and UCI Gravel World Championships.  

Photo Credit: Hugh James

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