Oxford bike shop owner Clive Tulip, who was well-known in the cycling community, died suddenly while out on a bike ride.

Mr Tulip, 50, owner of Beeline Bikes in Cowley Road, died of a heart attack on February 13.

He had recently returned from watching the 2004 World Cyclo-cross Championships in Pont-Ch'teau, France.

The father-of-three, of North Street, Bicester, leaves behind children Luis, Alex and Alice, partner Hazel and ex-wife Phoebe.

Friends and colleagues described him as a keen cyclist with a strong work ethic.

Beeline shop manager Jason Hewett, who worked with Mr Tulip for ten years, said his boss was "one of the hardest working people I have ever met".

Mr Tulip used to take part in Cyclo-cross competitions - a form of cycle racing - and also enjoyed motorbikes and canoeing.

Mr Hewett said: "He was a determined sort of person. He built the shop up from nothing to the 'mighty Beeline' as it is known today."

The Tulip family are asking for donations in memory of Mr Tulip to be sent to Cancer and Leukaemia In Childhood (CLIC) and the British Heart Foundation.

A date for a funeral service is to be announced.

The Tulip family will continue to run Beeline Bikes. Mr Hewett said.