Cyclist who died following collision with van during Abergavenny Festival of Cycling road race named

Police have named a cyclist who died in hospital today following a collision with a van during a race in Gwent yesterday evening as 26-year-old Ben Carroll from Cardiff.

Ben, who had been taken to Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny but died there of his injuries, was one of two cyclists involved in the incident at around 8.50pm yesterday evening as they took part in the Abergavenny Handicap race.

The incident took place between the Steelhorse Cafe and Hardwick roundabout as the pair headed towards Abergavenny on the A40 Old Raglan Road, says Gwent Police.

The other cyclist, a 33-year-old man from Abertillery, sustained what police described as “minor injuries.”

In a statement published on its website, Cardiff Ajax, the club Ben belonged to, said:

“It is with great sadness that the Club informs that Ben Carroll was killed in an incident in the Abergavenny Handicap Race last night.

“Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to Ben’s family and friends.

“We would greatly appreciate it if there could be no speculation about this tragic incident and allow the Police, Welsh Cycling and the race organisers the opportunity to investigate the matter.

“More news will be given as appropriate. Thank you for your understanding.”

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 spokesperson for British Cycling added: “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.”

Gwent Police are continuing their investigations and have appealed for anyone who has information to contact them on 101, quoting log number 576 9/7/13.

The fatality is the second death of a cyclist taking part in a road race in Britain in recent months.

In March, across the Severn Estuary, 23-year-old Devon rider Junior Heffernan was killed after he was involved in a collision with a car as he rode down a descent during the Severn Bridge Road Race.