A SERVICE to celebrate the life of a British cycling champion who died suddenly last month, aged 21, is to be held. Peter Bissell, of Ripon Road in Stevenage, was with three friends at The Standard Bearer pub in the town centre when he collapsed and died

A SERVICE to celebrate the life of a British cycling champion who died suddenly last month, aged 21, is to be held.

Peter Bissell, of Ripon Road in Stevenage, was with three friends at The Standard Bearer pub in the town centre when he collapsed and died on December 29.

An inquest into his death has been open and adjourned.

Mr Bissell won the 2006 National Espoirs Road Race Championships, the Chris Boardman Trophy in 2005, and most recently was part of the winning Arctic-Shorter Rochford racing team in the National Hill-Climb Championships in Somerset in October last year.

Dave and Sandy Bissell are holding a service to celebrate the life of their son at Coptic Orthodox Church Centre on Broadhall Way in Stevenage at 10.30am on March 8.

Mr Bissell said: "If you knew Pete, we would be glad to see you.

"If you live close enough to cycle to the event, please do so, but if not please wear your club/team jersey.

"A collection will be made on the day for the Dave Rayner Fund which helped Pete live out his dream.