A BIKER was speeding moments before he died in a collision, an inquest heard.

Mark Russell, 45, was hit by oncoming traffic after losing control near a notorious accident black spot.

Mr Russell died in the crash involving his Yamaha, a Land Rover Freelander, and a Skoda Fabia on the A272 at Cheesefoot Head, near Winchester.

He was thrown into the path of the Land Rover after losing control of his Yamaha YZFR1 just after 12.40pm on October 15.

Clare Belcher, the driver of the Skoda, said: “I saw him in my rear view mirror. He was fishtailing and fighting to keep control of the bike.”

The bike collided with the back of the car forcing it onto the verge.

John Batchelor, driver of the Land Rover, said: “It all happened so fast. Suddenly the rider was on our side of the road skidding towards us. There was no time to brake or avoid him.”

An off-duty nurse and army medic went to Mr Russell’s aid but the father of four died at the scene.

Witness Trevor Defaoite said Mr Russell, a vehicle painter, of Devenish Road, Weeke, appeared to be travelling at 80-90mph, in excess of the speed limit, moments before the crash. He told his wife: “That guy’s going quite quick.”

Crash investigator Anthony Clifford said that he found Mr Russell had been driving in an aggressive manner before the crash.

He said: “I estimate that the Yamaha was in excess of the speed limit while negotiating the bend. The crash was a result of the action or inaction of Mr Russell.”

Pathologist Dr Adnan Al-Badri concluded that he died instantly.

A report by toxicologist Peter Streete revealed that Mr Russell was sober at the time of his death.

Senior coroner Grahame Short concluded that the death was the result of a road traffic accident.

His family did not wish to comment at the inquest on Monday but they previously paid tribute: “Mark will be deeply missed. He was a wonderful husband, loving father to four boys, and proud grandad to a beautiful little boy who adored him so much. We will miss him every day. He was a wonderful man who would do anything for anyone.”