HE will not be forgotten.

That was the message from a group of more than cyclists in Hampshire who gathered to race in the memory of their friend James Atherton, who was killed on the road last year.

As reported by the Daily Echo, James, 25, a PHD student, was cycling with friends in the New Forest when he was involved in a head-on collision with car.

Daily Echo:

James Atherton

The Southampton University medical student was taken to Southampton General Hospital but died from severe head and leg injuries.

Southampton University Road Cycling Club (SURC) set up the 60-mile race at Owslebury, near Winchester, to honour James.

The club paid tribute to the keen cyclist on its website, which said: “James was a bright, energetic person with a fabulous sense of humour.

“He was an inspiration to many and we hope through this race his name can be remembered.”

Daily Echo:

Cyclists hold a minutes silence in memory of James