The cycling correspondent for the Eastern Daily Press has collapsed and died.

Ivan Jeckell, 65, had been writing his daily column for the newspaper for the last 34 years and was well known on the cycling scene as a competitor, administrator and campaigner.

Mr Jeckell was attending a time-trial event, which he intended to cover for his column, when he collapsed. Fellow cyclists made him comfortable until the arrival of the paramedics, whose efforts were in vain.

EDP sports editor David Thorpe said: “Ivan was the best ambassador cycling could have had. As a correspondent he had an unmatched depth of knowledge and was totally dedicated to the task of giving his sport the best possible coverage.

“It was impossible to read his weekly reports without feeling his enthusiasm coming through. He could bring the most mundane time-trial to life.”

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