Branscombe crash rider may have had 'cyclist's palsy'
A fitness enthusiast who died after losing control of her bike and hitting a house may have suffered "cyclist's palsy" a coroner said.
Rebecca Scott, 24, was training for a 100-mile endurance ride when she hit the property in Branscombe, Devon.
Andrew Cox, assistant coroner for Exeter and Greater Devon, recorded a verdict of accidental death.
He said cyclist's palsy - when the nerves in the hand go numb - was the best explanation for what happened.
However, he added there was no "evidence" for it.
The inquest heard there was no mechanical fault with the bike and Miss Scott was described as a "competent" and experienced rider.
Mr Cox said: "The issue of cyclist's palsy, which I have not come across before, has been raised. It is speculation and there is nothing a pathologist could find at post mortem.
"It is, I think, the best explanation for what has happened, but I cannot say for definite that it did happen."
Cyclist's palsy, also known as handlebars palsy, is a numbing of the nerves in the hands after cycling in the same position for a extended period of time.
Her father, Alan Scott, was cycling behind his daughter and heard a "bang" as she crashed into the wall, suffering multiple injuries.
Pc Rod Lomas, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said cyclist's palsy could explain why she was not able to control the speed she went down the hill.
Mr Lomas said it would have taken "some bottle" for Miss Scott to change the position of her hands while out of control on the hill.
He said "cyclist's palsy" could have left her unable to squeeze fully on the brakes, meaning she could not slow down.