Triathlon coach Andrew McMenigall killed in crash

A RESPECTED Edinburgh triathlon coach has died in a horror crash – just hours into a charity bike ride.

Senior investment manager Andrew McMenigall was one of two cyclists killed when they were hit and killed by a lorry in Cornwall at the start of a Land’s End to John O’Groats bike ride

They were hit by an articulated lorry yesterday morning on the A30 eastbound at Summercourt, near Newquay.

The Edinburgh Triathletes vice-president was at the start a 960-mile cycling fundraiser when the tragedy occurred.

Aberdeen Asset Management colleague and cycling partner Toby Wallace – a former graduate from Cambridge’s Jesus College – is believed to be the other person killed in the collision.

Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

Forty-seven-year-old Mr McMenigall, who lived on Queensferry Road, leaves behind two children.

Both riders had been at the start of a seven-day journey when the tragedy happened.

They had planned to raise almost £6000, with the money due to be donated to the Kirsten Scott Memorial Trust named in honour of a work colleague who died in October 2011 after a short battle with cancer.

The trust was set up to provide grants to young people under the age of 26, allowing them to fulfil ambitions and enhance their personal development.

Shocked Edinburgh Triathletes president Gavin Calder said: “The reason Andrew was also doing this is that his own daughter had been diagnosed and recovered from a brain tumour three or four years ago.”

A British Army officer graduate, Mr McMenigall had completed an MBA from the University of Edinburgh and been an associate of the UK Society of Investment Professionals.

He had been involved with Edinburgh Triathletes for the past seven years, coaching three-time Olympian David Carry and European Standard Distance Triathlon champion Keira Murray.

Mr Calder had loaned his own bike to his friend for the charity ride. He described Mr McMenigall as the “heart and soul of the triathlon community in Edinburgh”, adding: “He was one of the main club coaches for Edinburgh triathletes. He gave a huge amount of his time to the club and never asked for anything in return. He was just a super, super guy.

“He was never a championship winning competitor, but he encouraged lots of people to be. His real skill was in coaching. Almost every session that we did, Andrew was there coaching and encouraging people. He’ll be missed hugely.

“Andrew was honest as the day was long. He said what he meant – he was a really straightforward character. It’s just tragic circumstances.”

Mr McMenigall had spoken of the “journey from hell” in reference to the train ride to reach Land’s End in his final blog entitled The Calm Before the Storm and posted on Monday.

He said of the journey ahead: “The wind looks good and favourable, although it looks like no sunscreen needed tomorrow. Maybe the odd shower or two. I will take that, however, over cycling into the wind, especially on day one.”

Mr McMenigall said: “If anything the train journey has taught us, it is how undulating the terrain is in Devon and Cornwall.

“Here’s to tomorrow and let the fun begin!”

The investment manager was a keen cyclist, covering more than 100 miles most weekends.

Police said the lorry driver – a man in his 30s from Holsworthy, Devon – had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was later released on bail.