British cyclist killed in head-on crash in French Alps
A British cyclist has been killed in a head-on collision with a British motorist in the French Alps.
Joe Pether, 53, was cycling down the famous steep descent from the resort of Alpe d'Huez on a stretch of road known for its 21 hairpin bends that is also often part of the Tour de France route.
He crashed head-on into a fellow British tourist on one of the sharp bends at 7.05pm on Sunday evening.
A local police spokeswoman told the Daily Mail: "An investigation has been opened. We heard from witnesses on Monday morning but the inquiry is ongoing
"Tragically the victim died at the scene.
"He was a British tourist, as was the driver of the vehicle. They were both tourists."
Mr Pether, from Middlesex, was the director of his own building company, Pether Property Services.
His family are now trying to repatriate his body.
Speaking to the Express, his sister-in-law said: "We just want Joe's body back. We've promised his children that we will get him home.
"But we seem to be caught in all sorts of bureaucracy with the French authorities and Joe's insurance company."
He was a keen cyclist and had already ridden 1000 miles this year.
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