A CYCLIST who was treated by fellow bike riders after suffering a cardiac arrest during a charity cycle race has tragically died.

Valentin Buliga, a Romanian-born, 41-year-old property and construction business owner, was taking part in RideLondon-Essex on May 29.

The event sees 25,000 pedal-pushers set-off in centre London before cycling to Dunmow Road in Braintree and then looping back to the capital.

Shortly before the 50-mile mark of the race, near Stebbings Green, the north west London resident suffered a cardiac arrest.

He immediately received medical treatment from paramedics and cyclists, but unfortunately Valentin never regained consciousness and died in hospital on June 22.

John Jorja, speaking on behalf of Valentin’s family, said: “Valentin loved cycling and was so happy and excited on the morning of the event.

“He was a fantastic person, colleague and friend. He very generously gave the gift of life to others after he passed.”

Since his untimely death a fundraising page has been set up to fund the cyclist’s return to Romania and his funeral, and to support his family.

A spokesman for RideLondon-Essex said: “Everyone involved in RideLondon would like to express our sincere condolences to Valentin’s family and friends.

“No further details will be released and the family has asked for privacy.”

To donate visit gofundme.com/f/val-to-get-back-home.