Inquest concludes into death of Northumberland woman killed while watching boyfriend's cycle race
Judith Garrett died after being hit by an out of control mountain biker - while watching the race, back in 2014
The partner of a Northumberland woman, killed while watching him in a cycle race in Wales, is calling for more protection for spectators - after an inquest into her death.
29 year old Judith Garrett from Prudhoe died after being hit by an out of control mountain biker - while watching the race, back in 2014, waiting at the side of the steep mountain track to see her boyfriend Peter Walton.
Judith was hit by racer Andrew Cody, who came off his bike, and she was airlifted to hospital - but died the next day.
Experienced downhill racer Mr Walton told the inquest "more needs to be done to prevent spectators from standing in exclusion zones" - and said she should not have been allowed to stand where she was at the time of the tragedy.
Mr Walton said: "The sport does have a risk involved in it but that risk is taken by the competitors not the spectators."
He went on to discuss what he felt was an "inconsistent approach" to downhill racing safety - and called for better safety, signage and guidance.
He said: "Spectators shouldn't have to worry about being hit by a bike".
Judith's father Bill said his daughter had been due to move into her first house with Mr Walton in just two weeks.
He said Judith - who travelled more than 200 miles from Prudhoe, to the event in Llangollen, North Wales - had recently been promoted at work where she was a senior quality control officer.
Devastated father Mr Garrett said her death had left “a huge void” in the lives of all who knew her.
He said: “Our daughter Judith was the most beautiful, loving daughter any parent could have wished for.
“She was very beautiful and loved, not only by her family but also everyone who knew her.
“She leaves a huge void in our lives that can never be filled. She had a very bright future ahead of her.
“Everyone is going to miss her terribly."
The tragic accident happened during the third round of the Borderline Events UK DH downhill mountain biking series in 2014.
Nigel Cowell-Clark, the risk manager from British Cycling, said the organisation is always looking to improve safety.
He added there had been lessons from the "tragic accident" with a lot more support and guidance available.
British Cycling has conducted incident reports on downhill biking events during which period there have been 3 spectator injuries.
Mr Cowell-Clark said that showed "a lot of what we've put in place has worked and is working".
The Ruthin inquest heard of changes British Cycling says it is looking at implementing to make spectators more aware of the dangerous areas of the course.
In 2018 at Mold Crown Court, Michael Marsden, who organised the event, was cleared of failing to conduct it in such a way that people were not exposed to risk.
British Cycling was also acquitted of failing to ensure the health and safety of people attending. Race marshal Kevin Duckworth was found not guilty of failing to take reasonable care to ensure the health and safety of others.
Coroner John Gittings recorded a narrative conclusion saying: "On the 31st of August, 2014, whilst a spectator at a downhill mountain bike event, Judith Garrett was struck by a mountain bike which left the track, causing injuries that caused her death at the Royal Stoke University Hospital on September 1, 2014."
Mr Gittins is considering issue a special regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths. He asked the body to report back following meetings in which changes to signage and the colour of the tape used to exclude spectators from certain zones will be considered.