Coroner criticises French probe of cycling crash that killed wine firm boss
Philip Tuck, who was a qualified master of wine, was riding in the Burgundy area when the accident happened on July 20 2023.
The 59-year-old, from Old Basing, near Basingstoke, Hampshire, who helped found Hatch Mansfield premium wine merchants, was on the last day of the week-long trip riding with his son Felix and his son's friend Tom Caine.
The hearing at Winchester Coroner's Court on Monday was told that the two younger cyclists were riding ahead down the descent into the village of Bouilland when they avoided being hit by the BMW which went on to collide with Mr Tuck, who was riding at a distance behind them.
In a statement read to the hearing, Felix said: 'We were just going on a relaxed ride, Dad was happy and enjoying the ride.
'The descent to Bouilland is on a quiet country road, wide enough for two cars, it isn't particularly technical or steep.
'Tom and I had dropped Dad on the descent as he slowed down and was more cautious with his no-risk mindset.'
Felix said when they realised Mr Tuck had got behind, they turned around and rode back up the hill to find people attempting to help his father with his 'smashed up' Pinarello bike at the side of the road.
Coroner Simon Burge said attempts were made to save Mr Tuck's life by the driver and other members of the public before police and ambulance arrived, but the cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.
The coroner said the driver of the BMW, a French man with his daughter in the rear seat, had stopped at the scene and told police that the first two riders had cut across to the wrong side of the road on the bend.
The driver claimed that the collision happened when he was unable to avoid hitting Mr Tuck who had taken the same approach to the bend.
Mr Burge added that the police determined that the crash was an accident and that the driver would not be prosecuted.
Mr Tuck's widow, Kate, told the hearing that she was concerned that the driver had provided 'inconsistent' statements about the incident, particularly by giving varying estimates of his speed from 50kph (31mph) to 70kph (43mph) in the 80kph (50mph) zone.
She added that photographs of the scene suggested the accident happened before the bend, contradicting the driver's account.
Mrs Tuck said: 'It was a ghastly accident however we look at it and nothing will bring him back, but it's hugely disappointing if I feel the record states that my husband was riding on the wrong side of the road and there is no independent evidence to corroborate.'
Mr Burge said: 'I do not reach any conclusion that Philip, Felix or Tom were riding recklessly.
'I find that all three of you having enjoyed a cycling holiday in France, you were out for a good time, riding at a leisurely pace.'
Criticising the French police investigation, the coroner, who recorded a conclusion of accidental death, said: 'Sadly the investigation carried out locally by the gendarmerie was inadequate in my view and leaves many unanswered questions.'
In a tribute to Mr Tuck released after his death, Ascot-based Hatch Mansfield said: 'Philip was an immensely kind, loyal and considerate man.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
French FA condemns ‘hateful remarks' towards France Women after Euro 2025 quarter-final exit
The French Football Federation (FFF) says it 'strongly condemns' the abuse aimed at members of France's women's team following their 2025 European Championship exit. The governing body added the case has been forwarded to the French National Centre for Combating Online Hate, which sits within the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office, as it seeks 'to punish any criminally reprehensible behaviour'. Advertisement France were knocked out of the tournament following a penalty shootout defeat to Germany in the quarter-final. Despite their opponents being down to 10 players from the 13th minute, France were held to a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes after Sjoeke Nusken cancelled out Grace Geyoro's early penalty. The FFF said on Wednesday that 'certain French national team players' had since been targeted with 'hateful remarks'. 'Nothing can justify such displays of hatred,' an FFF statement read. 'The French Football Federation (FFF) expresses its full support for all the players concerned and reiterates its commitment to the values of respect and solidarity that are the foundation of our sport.' The Athletic has contacted the French National Centre for Combating Online Hate for comment. It is not the first instance of players at this year's European Championship being targeted with abuse. England defender Jess Carter said on Sunday she had 'experienced a lot of racial abuse' during the tournament, prompting England to decide against taking the knee before matches for the remainder of the tournament. The Football Association (FA) said it had forwarded the matter to English police and was working with the relevant social media platforms to punish the offenders. The England squad publicly supported Carter in the following days, and fellow defender Lucy Bronze said online abuse is getting 'worse and worse' as the women's game continues to grow. The Athletic has contacted FIFPro, the body which represents the welfare of professional footballers worldwide, for comment.


CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
Oakland County construction worker killed, 2 others injured in Orchard Lake Road crash
An Oakland County (Michigan) worker was struck by a vehicle and killed at a construction site on Wednesday on Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills, local officials said. Two other construction workers were injured in the crash. Crews were doing basin work at the time of the incident. The crash and immediate investigation closed Orchard Lake Road between 10 Mile and 11 Mile roads. The Farmington Hills Police Department is investigating. This is a breaking news situation. CBS News Detroit will provide additional details when they are available.


Bloomberg
an hour ago
- Bloomberg
Three Miners Trapped at Newmont Mine in Canada, Says BC Premier
Three miners are trapped at Newmont Corp. 's Red Chris gold mine in northwest British Columbia, according to the premier of the western Canadian province. The miners are stuck underground following an overnight accident at the mine, Premier David Eby said in a Wednesday press conference.