THE wife of a "life-loving" cyclist who died after smashing into a tree said she cannot imagine a world without him.

Richard Kell, 71, failed to recover from a three-week coma after crashing during the same 100-mile stretch of a cycling event in which Bicester fundraiser Robin Chard also perished.

Friends and family said the retired North Abingdon man, who left behind a wife, daughter, and two young grandsons, always had a smile on his face.

Hilary Kell, his wife of 49 years, said: "He was such a happy person. He loved his cycling and loved his family.

"I just can't imagine life without him – he was so full of life. It was a tragic accident."

She said experienced cyclist Mr Kell had been "so looking forward" to the RideLondon-Surrey challenge on Sunday, July 31, after taking part last year, and had spent the previous day enjoying London with his daughter Sarah.

She had been ready at the start line of the 46-mile version of the event when she got the call about her dad's accident.

Emergency services airlifted Mr Kell to St George's hospital in Tooting after the crash near Pyrford, Surrey.

For three weeks friends and family willed him to recover from a coma, but on August 23 his life support machine was switched off.

His only sister Wendy Hill, who lives in Burford, said: "He had such an exciting life and died doing what he loved best. He was someone who threw himself into everything."

She said his "hobby was having hobbies" and he enjoyed a host of activities including Indian cooking, mountain biking and travelling.

Outdoor Traders Cycling Club, where Mr Kell was the oldest member, said rides will "never be the same" without him.

Radley resident James Choularton, honorary president of the group, said: "He was always first to make you laugh. He was the most friendly, funny guy and was always full of banter. He was the life of the ride.

"He will be sorely missed. The rides will never be the same without him."

His mum Caroline Choularton added: "He was a magic man – it's a big loss."

Club chairman Chris Brand rode with Mr Kell in the RideLondon event, joined by 25 group members and 26,000 other amateur cyclists.

The Besselsleigh resident, 71, said they realised something was wrong when they checked a tracking app that showed Mr Kell had fallen well-behind the pack.

The club has dedicated a string of races in tribute to their friend called the Richard Kell Memorial Series, which starts at Dalton Barracks today and continues with races on September 17, 24 and October 1.

It is organising a 50-mile memorial event next month called Ride Richard, which will raise money for accident prevention charity IMPS.

Mr Kell was a heating engineer for much of his career and also worked for Abingdon Town Council's maintenance team for 14 years.

Council leader Mike Badcock said: "He was a lovely man and a personal friend. He always had a smile on his face."

He is thought to be the first cyclist to have had a fatal crash in the sportive's three-year history, with other event deaths – including that of Mr Chard on July 31 – induced by cardiac emergencies.

Event organisers said Mr Kell's death was under full investigation and offered "sincere condolences" to his family.

Mr Kell's event fundraising page, which has so far raised more than £400 for British Red Cross, can be found at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/richardkell1.

His funeral will take place at South Oxfordshire Crematorium in Garford on September 23 at 2pm.