A cyclist taking part in a grueling 5,500 kilometer endurance race has died after being hit by a truck on a highway in Western Australia.
Chris Barker, 62, was struck on the Eyre Highway in Madura, just west of the South Australian border, while competing in the Indian Pacific Wheel Race (IPWR) between 5.30am and 6am THURSDAY.
Mr Barker, who took part in the race under the name ‘Caveman’, tragically died at the scene, with police now investigating the circumstances of the accident.
Police are understood to believe the cyclist was hit by a truck traveling in the same direction on the highway.
The IPWR is an annual cycling event spanning almost 5,500km from the South Mole Lighthouse in Fremantle, Perth, to the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
Mr Barker is the second participant to die in the event, with British cyclist Mike Hall losing his life while competing in 2017.
Chris Barker, 62, died after being struck by a vehicle while cycling along the Eyre Highway, WA, on Thursday morning.
Mr Barker was allegedly hit by a truck on the highway during the 2024 Indian Pacific Wheel Race (pictured, Mr Barker entering the Eyre Highway)
Since then, there have been many tributes for Mr Barker, with his son Aidan saying his father died “doing something he loved”.
“I can’t express how sad it is today. Dad was doing something he loved,” he wrote to an online community group for the event.
“I have never heard Dad talk so much about this event in my life. Today my family lost a wonderful person, as did his IPWR family.
“My heart is broken, thank you all.”
Mr Barker has covered 1,313km since the start on March 13.
He was eighth at the time of his death and it was Mr Barker’s sixth time competing in the race.
Mr Barker had shared a selfie from the Eyre Highway, Australia’s longest straight road, early on Thursday morning.
“On the road shortly after midnight, a light breeze was blowing my way,” he wrote.
It is unclear whether race organizers will cancel the event following Mr Barker’s death, but many cyclists have since reportedly dropped out.
Mr Barker represented New Zealand in the race and it was his sixth participation
Mr Barker’s son Aidan said his father died “doing something he loved”.
The grueling event places the onus on the athletes and its website says it is “solo (and) unsupported.”
“Anyone who decides to follow the IPWR course as part of their own endurance or cycle touring challenge chooses to do so individually,” the website reads.
“The clock doesn’t stop. There is no prize money. Nothing is at stake except honor.
Another cyclist, in his 50s, was also hit by a car on the same highway and was seriously injured hours before Mr Barker was hit.
The man was flown to Royal Perth Hospital was in a stable condition on Thursday evening.
Mr Barker was listed as representing New Zealand and other athletes taking part in the event posted tributes on his MAProgress profile – a platform used by cyclists to track each other using contact details Accurate GPS.
“Eternally smooth roads and favorable winds, my friend xxx,” one woman wrote.
“We love you Chris mate, much respect to you bro, see you on the other side, so sorry,” another man added.
The Indian Pacific Wheel Race has been contacted for comment.