Celebration of Life Ceremony for Peter Bissell
Update Posted: 28 Jan 2008
The parents of Peter Bissell have been in touch with news of the celebration of his life:
"If you knew Pete, we would be glad to see you at a celebration of his life which will take place on Saturday 8 March at 10.30am at the Stevenage Coptic Centre. Directions can be had via the following link:
If you live close enough to cycle to the event, please do so, but if not please wear your club/team jersey. A collection will be made for the Dave Rayner Fund which helped Pete live out his dream.
Dave and Sandy Bissell"
News Posted: 3 Jan 2008
The family of British cyclist Peter Bissell are planning a celebration of life ceremony in February for the U23 road race champion who tragically passed away on December 29th. The cause of death of the 21-year-old is still being investigated after the talented Stevenage cyclist collapsed whilst out with friends just after Christmas. Initial stories of his choking have now been dispelled by the family.
The funeral is expected to be a private gathering of close friends and family at a date to be arranged. The family are asking that flowers are not sent but that donations are made to the David Rayner Fund instead. The website can be found at www.daveraynerfund.com -Details of the celebration of life event will be issued in due course.
21-year old Peter, from Stevenage, was a talented and highly motivated rider who was probably best known in the UK for his successes in the colours of the Arctic-Shorter-Rochford team, though his first racing appearances were as a youth rider at Welwyn Track League riding in the colours of Welwyn Wheelers. He also raced extensively on the continent and was due to join the French Hennebont team for the 2008 season.
It was whilst representing Arctic-Shorter-Rochford that Peter won the prestigious national Under-23 Road title over a tough Buckinghamshire course in 2006. British Cycling's Larry Hickmott spoke at length to Peter after that win and noted the his bravery and will to win over a tough course - the full interview, plus links to the full race report here: 2006 Espoirs Championships Interviews
Everyone at British Cycling would like to offer their condolences to Peter's family and friends.
There are some very eloquent tributes to Peter on the Veloriders.co.uk forum Link
