The family of cycling fanatic Martin Carr have spoken of their shock just hours after the news of his tragic death at Mile Elm near Calne yesterday morning.

The 32-year-old, known to his friends as Chinner, had just bought a van to take friends on a cycling holiday when he was found lying near his bicycle in Mile Elm at 5.45am, just fifteen minutes after leaving his Braemor Road home.

Paramedics tried to rescuscitate him but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The road was closed until 9am.

His parents Douglas and Glennis Carr, who formally idnetified him at the Great Western Hospital yesterday afternoon, said they thought he was as strong as an ox.

Mrs Carr said: "The only thing he has ever suffered from was dislocating his shoulder a few times, we thought he was hit by a car but there wasn't a mark on him.

"I suppose if there is anything we can be thankful for it's that."

Older brother Nathan added: "He was so fit and healthy, I can't believe it. His mates got him a bike sticker saying Chinner's A Winner, and he was."

Police are not treating Mr Carr's death as suspicious but are keeping an open mind.

Mrs Carr said: "We thought it could have been a heart attack but he is as strong as an ox, and so young."

Girlfriend of nearly three years, Jackie Page, is said to be inconsolable. She said: "He was my soulmate, I will miss him."

Friends spoke of how Mr Carr's love of bikes forced Miss Page to give up smoking in a bid to spend more time with him.

Mr Carr was very active and he and his friends took regular trips to different parts of the country to go on cycling tours.

He had just bought a van with two friends to transport the bikes more easily.

His father Dougie added: "He will never get to use that van now, which is such a sad thought. He got into cycling after he sold his motor cross bike.

"He entered every mountain bike race going and went cycling with his girlfriend too." Mr Carr was due to go to hospital on Thursday to have an operation on his shoulder. He had a history of problems and damaged it further a year ago when he had to be flown off the Cherhill downs after falling off his bike.

He had planned to go out riding again after work yesterday before he died. His auntie Ann Sellwood, also from Calne, said: "He was a wonderful son to Dougie and Glennis and was always happy. "If he couldn't go out on his bike because of the weather he would get on his bike machine in the garage. You could hear him peddling away if you went past."

Family friend Lesley Anger, a massage therapist from Calne, said: "He always put everyone else before himself. He was a wonderful man and I am so sad that he has gone."

Neighbour Ann Rowarth, who works at Hygrade in Chippenham, said: "You couldn't wish for a more lovely family to live opposite.

"It must be so hard for his mum and dad, not knowing how he died. They say there wasn't a mark on him when they found him.

"Martin was a lovely young man and I saw him the night before on his bike, talking to friends. He said hello and the next thing I knew he was gone."

"He entered every mountain bike race going and went cycling with his girlfriend too."

Police are appelaing for witnesses as part of the investigation into Mr Carr's death. Anyone with any information shouls call Sgt Chris Smith at the Central Roads Policing Unit at Chippenham on 0845 408 7000.

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