THE organisation of a cycling event in which a 33-year-old man lost his life will be scrutinised after his family hit out at the event's marshalling and signage.

Sam Rowley died after colliding with a car near local landmark Blowing Stone Hill during the Classic Oxfordshire Sportive 100 Mile event in May.

A pre-inquest review into his death revealed the event's organisation as well as road markings and signage would be "major issues" discussed at a full inquest later this year.

The number of marshals at the junction was also a point of contention to be covered at the inquest.

The Putney man was one of about 900 cyclists who took part in the event, organised by Bike Events LTD, which records the times of riders through three possible routes of 30, 60 and 100 miles around the county.

The hearing, at Oxfordshire Coroner's Court, revealed Mr Rowley hit the side of a car at the crossroads on the B4506 Kingston Lisle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

His stepfather Ken Clifford, speaking at the hearing, said: "I keep hearing it was an accident but it wasn't, it was an avoidable accident.

"I believe there should have been two marshals at the junction not one.

"There should have been arrows at the junction and signs as you approach the junction as there wasn't enough time to respond."

The driver of the Vauxhall Zafira that Mr Rowley collided with, Michele Rostami, was also at the hearing.

Oxfordshire Coroner Darren Salter confirmed there was "nothing she could have done" to avoid the collision.

Ms Rostami said she wasn't made aware a cycling event was taking place.

She said: "I did see two marshals at the junction but I don't remember being aware there was a cycling event going on.

"I had already seen cyclists but there are always cyclists on the Ridgeway and this was a sunny day."

Mr Salter said a 'prevention of future death' report could also be produced for the event – which has now been running for 12 years – with recommendations for further safety measures in future.

Representatives from Bike Events LTD and Southern Marshalling Services, who provided the marshals on the day, will give evidence at the inquest, which could take place in November.

Oxfordshire County Council, as the highways authority, has been called to the stand and asked to provide evidence of any inspections of the junction and answer questions over road markings and signage.

Two police officers, who rode in the event last year and were involved in a similar incident at the same junction, will also give evidence.