Garrett Lemire, a third-year international affairs student, died
Saturday in a cycling accident in Tucson, Ariz. He was 22.
Lemire, who was participating in the eighteenth annual Tucson
Bicycle Classic, was killed in a head-on collision with a car after
swerving out of the way of a group of riders who had fallen along
the route.
Lemire had been racing since he was 14, said his sister Alicia
Lemire, adding that he had been in several crashes before but
nothing too serious.
“He died doing what he loved,” she said.
“Riding was his passion.”
She said Lemire had not taken any classes this quarter to devote
more time to racing.
Though Lemire’s family had always been concerned for his
safety, Lemire had not been afraid of the risks, Alicia said.
Lemire’s family was not at the race but was informed of
his death immediately through a phone call from his girlfriend,
Alicia said.
“He will be remembered for being an incredible friend …
he made everyone laugh,” she said.
Lemire’s death was the first in the race’s history,
which has been held on the same course for 15 years.
The accident happened in the second stage of the race, which
consisted of three stages. The race was cancelled for the day but
resumed Sunday with a memorial lap in honor of Lemire.
The second stage consists of a 21-mile loop winding through
steep climbs and rapid descents, according to the race registration
form.
The form states that riders will be sharing the road with
traffic, and advises them to be aware of vehicles, especially on
the descents.
Lemire swerved onto on-coming traffic on Gates Pass Road where
strong drafts often result in limited maneuverability and
visibility for the riders. The race was on the eastbound side of
the road, but the westbound side was open to traffic.
Lemire, one of 630 riders participating in the three-day race,
swerved into the opposite lane in an attempt to avoid some fallen
cyclists, said Sgt. James Ogden of the Pima County sheriff’s
department.
After Lemire’s death, race official Don Melhado said,
“Accidents are one thing, but when somebody dies, it’s
time to rethink your entire venue.”
Lemire’s body will be cremated on Wednesday, and a
memorial service will be held in his hometown of Ojai, Calif. on
Saturday, March 22.