AN OPEN verdict was recorded on a cyclist victim of a hit-and-run collision, after almost two years of intensive police work failed to trace the vehicle responsible for his death.

Microbiologist Stefan Forge, 47, and his friend, Jonathan Wastling, were knocked from their cycles from behind, thrown over a grass verge and into a ditch beside the A658 Pool-in-Wharfedale-Harrogate road near Nab Bridge as they returned from a ride which had taken in a pub in Otley and another on the way back.

Mr Forge, of Hookstone Avenue, Harrogate, who worked at the town's district hospital, died and was later found to be nearly one-and-a-half times the legal drink-drive limit. Mr Wastling, of Rossett Avenue, Harrogate, survived serious injuries.

He told yesterday's inquest at Harrogate Magistrates' Court he remembered leaving the Hunter's Inn, at Riffa, cycling through Huby and passing the junction for North Rigton late on the evening of August 22, 2001. But after that his memory was blank until 8.30am the following day.

The incident was investigated by Michael Natt, who has since retired from North Yorkshire Police. He concluded the cyclists, showing a total of five red lights between them, had been highly visible and riding properly, with Mr Forge at the rear.

They had probably been hit by an agricultural-type vehicle or some sort of heavy plant - something with a side projection, as they had been struck, not their bikes. It could have been travelling at up to 50mph.

Coroner Geoff Fell said if the driver had come forward he might have been able to reach a definite conclusion. But on the limited information available he had to record an open verdict.

Updated: 11:05 Thursday, March 27, 2003