I have no wish to enter this discussion flippantly but thought I would add a little bit of information, as I grew up in the village nearby. Members of my family are from Elberton itself and to this day they live dotted either side of the accident spot within 1/2 - 1 mile of it; User's account is exactly what I've heard today from a non-cycling relative, who mentioned the incident to me in normal conversation (they are from Elberton).
'Mumbelly's Hill' is a fast fairly clear downhill section of road leading into Elberton Village (as seen from the rider point of view), with a slight left bend at the bottom and I've been whizzing down it since I was a lad, usually on the way to the Severn Bridge, I've travelled it using all sorts of vehicles, so have a good knowledge of it - the road is traffic calmed to 40mph just after the downhill for much of the East bound route (i.e. running up to the hill if heading West).
East bound cars generally adhere to that speed (IMO), as they come out of the village, anyone who knows the road will verify that traffic calming reminders are 'ample', if not a little over the top (?).
Conversely, the Westbound route is an adrenalin pumping fast downhill, delivering the rider into a scenic valley from fast open countryside but slightly winding road sections of national speed limit road; there is a sharp bend just back from the hill but you can return up to good speed for the downhill; generally, most vehicles roll towards Elberton at speed, I don't think I'm exaggerating in saying the majority of people I know need to slow down to get to 40mph limits in the restricted section.
I last rode the route two weeks ago and Strava tells me I peaked at 42 mph on the section, whilst on a leisure ride, so who knows what speeds would be reached on a race day?
Best not get too evangelical on deciding who's fault it was, as you might find there's things you don't want to hear - I have a feeling this won't be as clear cut as people first think. My current view is did the car have a right to be there? If it did, then best ease off the blame game - if it didn't, then fire away.
Terrible tragedy whatever the details.
