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Talking about Bob Breedlove, Jim
Pitre said: “This is a terrible tragedy, just terrible. We all stand in awe of
the memory of Bob Breedlove, who was a supreme cycle racer, an outstanding
surgeon, and just a great human being. Speaking both personally, and on behalf
of the entire management and all those associated with the race, I extend my
most sincere sympathy to the family of Bob Breedlove.”
The support vehicle was providing
leapfrog support to Bob Breedlove at the time of the accident. Bob Breedlove was
last seen by his crew members about a mile before the accident took place. They
reported that he seemed fit to continue the race. “He seemed fine, we passed
him a PowerBar and a Spizz (energy drink), and he went on his way,” said one
of the crew members.
Skid marks leading off the road to
the right suggest that the driver of the vehicle did what he could to avoid a
collision. “It seemed like he must have passed out, he slumped on his bars. He
just swerved right into our lane.” Said the distraught driver of the vehicle,
who hurried to the next town immediately after the accident and made the 911
call himself.
From the evidence and accounts, the
accident is thought to have happened very quickly. While it is unknown whether
or not it would have made a difference if a support vehicle had been present for
Bob Breedlove, as an additional precautionary measure, a directive was issued
from race headquarters that safety continues to be a primary concern and that
all crew members are required to pay special attention, and to continue to
conduct the race in a safe manner.
Crew members and riders have been
instructed that if they feel the need to do so, to pull off the course to
process their thoughts and gather themselves to continue. A 15-minute time
allowance is provided for this. Riders and crew members who require more time
will be granted this on request.
Paul Skilbeck Media Communications
Director, Insight Race Across America
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