TRIBUTES have been paid to a respected former teacher at an Eastleigh college who died on his bike while warming up for a race against Tour de France riders.

Father of three Bob Redrup, 55,of Longfield Avenue, Fareham, was cycling in Marigny, France, in preparation for the 54km Duo Normand time trial for amateurs and professionals.

The ex-teacher from Wyvern Technology College, Eastleigh, suddenly shouted to a friend that he was going to fall off his bike and then suffered a fatal heart attack.

Sue Dawson from the Northovers Veterans cycling club said: "I was riding a bit further away from him and the first thing I knew the police were there and he had died."

In tribute to Mr Redrup shocked members of his team wore black armbands and his race partner Tom Woollard completed the track on his own after a minute's silence.

Mrs Dawson added: "It was quite distressing, but we all wanted to carry on in his memory. It was quite poignant when Tom rode on his own."

Mr Redrup leaves two grown-up sons and a 13-year-old daughter and widow Stephanie.

It was at least the third time that he had competed in the unique race that pits amateurs against the world's top cyclists who are competing for world ranking points.

Mr Redrup retired from teaching last year to focus on his family and cycling. Friends described him as remarkably fit.

Don Bullman, from Fareham Wheelers, said: "Last time I saw him he had done a personal best for 25 miles which for a man of his years is incredible. His death was a complete shock. He was very highly thought of and it has really stunned the cycling world in this area."

Alan Davy, friend and cycling companion, said: "He retired from teaching to concentrate on his quality of life. He was really enjoying retirement.

"Two years ago he was asked to join the Northovers Veterans and he was over the moon.

"You have to be a little bit special to be asked. He felt he had achieved something to be asked at the age of 55."

Mr Redrup's body will be brought back from France later this week and a date will be set for his funeral.

Sheila Campbell, head of Wyvern, said of the ex-science teacher: "He was a highly talented teacher. The pupils here are saying what a very good teacher he was.

"He was someone who cared immensely about young people and their education, he talked about it and thought about it.

"The whole staff are shocked but those people who worked closely with him are very distressed. He was a friend and a colleague.

"He was a really excellent colleague, always supporting people in the department."