A rider has died as a result of injuries sustained in an incident at the Abergavenny Handicap Road Race on Tuesday 9 July, Welsh Cycling can confirm.
Ben Carroll, 26 and a member of Cardiff Ajax, was involved in a collision with a van.
Gwent Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward and contact them on 101 and quote log number 576 9/7/13.
His family has released a tribute to Ben.
Anne Adams-King, Chief Executive of Welsh Cycling, said: “Everyone at Welsh Cycling has been deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts and those of the wider cycling community are with Ben’s family and friends.”
A British Cycling spokesperson said: “Fortunately, this kind of incident is rare. British Cycling takes rider safety extremely serious and it remains the most important priority at any event.
“We join with our colleagues at Welsh Cycling in offering our sympathies to his friends and family.
“British Cycling and Welsh Cycling are working with the police and making best efforts to support the race organisers and Ben’s club.”
A statement by Gwent Police said:
“Following a serious road traffic collision between two cyclists and a van that occurred last night (Tuesday July 9th) on the Old Raglan Road (A40), Gwent Police can confirm that one of the cyclists - 26 year old Ben Carroll from Cardiff - has since died.
“The collision occurred between the Steelhorse Cafe and the Hardwick Roundabout at 8.50pm, as the cyclists were riding toward the Abergavenny area and the van was travelling in the opposite direction. Another cyclist - a 33 year old man from Abertillery -received minor injuries.”
The Abergavenny Festival Handicap Road Race has been organised by local cycling clubs for around 25 years and attracts up to 80 riders each year.
The Festival of Cycling continues with a week-long series of cycling events culminating in the main road race of the weekend, the Grand Prix of Wales, part of this year’s British Cycling premier calendar series.
Media enquiries should be directed to Hannah Pole at Welsh Cycling on 07718 185 403 / Hannah.pole@welshcycling.co.uk
