Tributes have been paid to a rider who died following an incident during a closed road circuit race.
British Cycling confirmed that policeman Richard Phillips-Schofield died today at the Queen Alexandra Hospital from injuries sustained in the incident yesterday at the Mountbatten Leisure Centre in Portsmouth.
Phillips-Schofield, 33, was a member of the Peter Hansford Racing Team and he won two gold medals and a silver at the World Police and Fire Games in Belfast last year.
He was taking part in the Omega Portsmouth Circuits.
Hampshire Police Chief Constable Andy Marsh led tributes to Phillips-Schofield, saying the fallen rider was a "first class officer, team player and friend to so many.
"Richard’s loss will have a huge impact on friends and colleagues across the service, not only in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, but across the UK."
Bob Howden President of British Cycling also expressed the governing body's condolences.
"My thoughts and those of everyone at British Cycling are with Richard’s family and friends and with his team.
“This is a tragedy which will sadden the whole cycle sport community in this country.”
A British Cycling spokesperson added: “Fortunately, this kind of incident is very rare. Our over-riding priority is always the safety of participants in our events and we will be conducting a thorough investigation. For the moment, we are making our best efforts to support the race organisers, officials and Richard’s team.”