French Cyclist Murder-Suicide: Ex-Champion Dead

Former French track champion Cindy Morvan was shot and killed on Friday in Calais in an apparent murder-suicide.

French media is reporting that the 39-year-old was apparently killed by the girlfriend of her ex-partner. The killing took place in Morvan’s apartment building with the alleged assailant later writing a note admitting what she had done and then killing herself in her car.

According to AFPBoulogne-sur-Mer deputy prosecutor Patrick Leleu has said that investigators are examining a history of what was termed “extremely tense relations” between the two women, and that “significant disputes” may have led to the tragedy.

Police have launched an investigation into premeditated homicide.

The cycling world pays tribute

The cycling world has been paying tribute to Morvan, who was the head of the Union Vélo Club de Calais for a year and also a coach.

“Cindy was a dedicated and passionate person whose commitment marked the bike school. She has been able to pass on her love of cycling and her sporting values to our young runners,” wrote the club.

It said her loss leaves “a terrible void.”

The French Cycling Federation (FFC) described her as a “dedicated and passionate volunteer,” and said that she was “particularly committed to the development of women’s cycling in the Nord Pas de Calais. She was also a member of the FFC Ambassadors team.

“The French Cycling Federation extends its sincere condolences to her family and friends, while saying NO to all forms of violence. Cindy, we will not forget you and our thoughts go especially to your two children.”

Its vice president Marie-Françoise Potereau said she was a “bike addict, both because she raced – she had been French champion on the track – but also because she was transmitting her passion.”

Belgian cyclocross champion Marion Norbert Riberolle also paid tribute to her.

“I heard about her death yesterday,” she said, according to Cycling flash. “When I was still living in France, she really helped me to become a rider. It was a violent death. That is why I would like to take this opportunity to say that I say no to violence. We should never accept that. My thoughts are with her and with her loved ones.”

Velo sends its condolences to Morvan’s family and friends.