Marathon champion Colin Oliver dies after mountain bike accident
THE death of a Tasmanian marathon champion after a fall at a popular bike park has prompted the operators to review their safety procedures.
Tasmania
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THE death of a Tasmanian marathon champion after a fall at a popular bike park has prompted the operators to review their safety procedures.
Colin Oliver, 48, died on Tuesday after 10 weeks in a coma at the Royal Hobart Hospital. He had suffered significant injuries in a mountain bike crash at the Maydena Bike Park on March 1.
The Department of Health and Human Services told the Mercury that 19 people had required ambulance care at the bike park since it opened in late January.
A statement released by Maydena Bike Park on Wednesday said the crash happened while Mr Oliver was riding on a beginner-standard trail.
“Maydena Bike Park management has maintained contact with the rider’s family and has offered counselling services and support to its staff and the riders who assisted on the day of the incident,” a statement read.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the rider’s family.”
Management said it had conducted a “comprehensive review” across all its policies, protocols and procedures since the crash and the safety of its riders was paramount.
The rider induction process and the park’s critical incident response plan were among procedures assessed.
Mr Oliver’s longtime friend Andrew Law told the Mercury Mr Oliver had gone to the bike park to get a feel for a mountain bike he’d purchased recently.
“It’s very sad, he’d bought a brand new bike and went out on one of the tracks to try it out,” he said.
“He was a true friend and a good mate. He put 100 per cent effort into everything he did and always encouraged people of any ability on the track and field.
“Every time he went out there he always tried his best but he was never out there for the glory.”
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Mr Oliver studied nursing at the University of Tasmania and lived at Lutana for most of his life, Mr Law said.
Described by others as a “fine athlete and kind-hearted man”, Mr Oliver was a five-time Cadbury Marathon winner and served as race director for several years.
In a social media tribute, training buddy Mikey Dalton said his “old mate” was a fierce competitor who always had an even temperament.
“Colin was one dogged competitor who would just never give an inch and would wear opposition down with his nuggety style and consistent pace,” he said.
The health department spokesman urged anyone who engages in recreational activities, such as mountain biking, to be aware of the risks and take precautions.
Worksafe Tasmania has been contacted for comment.
EARLIER: TASMANIAN marathon champion Colin Oliver has died in hospital after succumbing to “significant injuries” he suffered in a mountain bike crash at Maydena two months ago.
Mr Oliver reportedly died at the Royal Hobart Hospital on Tuesday after spending the past 10 weeks in a coma.
In a statement released this morning, Maydena Bike Park said the crash happened while Mr Oliver was riding on a beginner-standard descending trail on March 1.
“The registered rider was involved in an incident on a beginner-standard descending trail, resulting in serious injury,” it read.
“Maydena Bike Park management has maintained contact with the rider’s family and has offered counselling services and support to its staff and the riders who assisted on the day of the incident.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the rider’s family”
Maydena Bike Park has conducted a “comprehensive review” across all its policies, protocols and procedures since the crash, saying the safety of its riders is paramount.
The rider induction process and its critical incident response plan were among the things reviewed.
Longtime friend Andrew Law told the Mercury the 48-year-old had gone to the bike park to get a feel for a mountain bike he’d only bought recently.
“It’s very sad, he’d bought a brand new bike and went out on one of the tracks to try it out,” he said.
“He was a true friend and a good mate. He put 100 per cent effort into everything he did and always encouraged people of any ability on the track and field.
“Every time he went out there he always tried his best but he was never out there for the glory, he just loved to run.”
Mr Oliver studied nursing at UTAS and lived at Lutana for most of his life, Mr Law said.
Described by others as a “fine athlete and true gentleman”, Mr Oliver was a five-time Cadbury Marathon winner and served as race director for several years.
In a post on Facebook last night, Athletics Tasmania said it was devastated to hear about Mr Oliver’s death.
“Colin Oliver has lost his battle with the significant injuries he suffered from a fall while mountain biking,” the post read.
“Colin was a dedicated and talented athlete who was state champion at distances from 5000m on the track to the marathon. He represented Tasmania on the road and in cross-country and Australia at the 2003 100km World Challenge.”
Training buddy Mikey Dalton said his “old mate” was a fierce competitor who always stuck it to the opposition.
“Colin was one dogged competitor who would just never give an inch and would wear opposition down with his nuggety style and consistent pace,” he said.
“The thing that struck me about Colin was his even temperament no matter what was going on around him. Always concerned for the wellbeing of others.
“Hard to believe he has gone but so glad he has a legacy left to remember him by. RIP old mate.”
Cadbury Marathon also paid tribute to the race champion on social media.
“Today we are saddened to learn of the death of Colin Oliver following a mountain bike accident,” they said on Facebook.
“Hard to believe he has gone but so glad he has a legacy left to remember him by. RIP old mate.”
Cadbury Marathon also paid tribute to the race champion on social media.
“Today we are saddened to learn of the death of Colin Oliver following a mountain bike accident,” they said on Facebook.
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