Tasmanian athlete Colin Oliver remembered by loving partner Amanda Noye

UPDATED: THE heartbroken partner of a Tasmanian marathon champion who died after a bike crash at Maydena wishes she’d “met him sooner and loved him longer”.

Marathon champion Colin Oliver with his partner Amanda Noye in happier times. Picture: SUPPLIED

THE heartbroken partner of a Tasmanian marathon champion who died after a bike crash at Maydena says she wishes she’d “met him sooner and loved him longer”.

Colin Oliver died on Tuesday after 10 weeks in a coma at the Royal Hobart Hospital — where he worked as nurse on the neurological ward.

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The 48-year-old had suffered “significant injuries” in a mountain bike crash at the Maydena Bike Park on March 1.

The Department of Health and Human Services has told the Mercury that 19 people had required ambulance care at the bike park since it opened in late January.

Premier Will Hodgman today said the State Government would investigate the circumstances of the crash and work with operators to ensure safety issues were addressed.

“Obviously in the high-risk potential area of mountain biking it’s absolutely critical that the right safety measures are in place,” he said.

“I can assure Tasmanians that we will ensure that everything’s being done to make our mountain bike trails and anything else that people want to do in our state by way of recreation is done so safely.

“It will certainly be a coronial inquest. Whether or not any further investigations are to be supplemented by other authorities, that will be a matter for determination going forward.”

Mountain biker Colin Oliver with partner Amanda Noye. Picture: SUPPLIED

Fellow nurse and Mr Oliver’s partner Amanda Noye told the Mercury this morning that Mr Oliver was “one in a million”.

“He could put a smile on anyone’s face and he treated others with respect,” she said.

“He had this amazing ability to build people up and make them believe that anything was possible, even for me — someone with no sporting abilities.

“He took the time and showed interest in other people’s stories, even though he was very humble himself. This is why he made a great nurse.”

Mr Oliver’s patients and colleagues were struggling to come to terms with his death, Ms Noye said.

Ms Noye and Mr Oliver in the great outdoors. Picture: SUPPLIED

The pair had been dating for four years. Picture: SUPPLIED

The pair started dating four years ago after they were introduced by a mutual friend.

Ms Noye, who has four children from another relationship, said the couple’s connection was instant.

“Colin was such a special person. You knew he was my soulmate because we just fitted together perfectly,” she said.

“Every road trip with Colin was an adventure and he had no fears. Sleeping under the stars in the middle of nowhere, you would always feel safe with Colin.

“We were meant to be, we had so many dreams together and it is just such a shame. I really do wish I had of met Colin sooner and loved him longer.”

Mr Oliver clearly had a great sense of fun. Picture: SUPPLIED

A statement released by Maydena Bike Park on Wednesday said the crash happened while Mr Oliver was riding on a beginner-standard trail.

Management said it had since conducted a “comprehensive review” across all its policies, protocols and procedures and the safety of its riders was paramount.

Mr Oliver was a five-time Cadbury Marathon winner and served as race director for several years.

Tasmania Police is preparing a report for the Coroner.

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