Aidan Worden dead at 18: Promising cycling champion dies after collision with car as ‘heartbroken’ team pay tribute
A CYCLING team has been left "absolutely heartbroken" following the tragic death of a rising star.
Cyclist Aidan Worden 18, died following a collision between a car and a bike during a training ride in Darwen, Lancashire on Saturday, police said.
Aidan was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency service's efforts to save him, according to
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the 10.28am collision, and specially trained officers are supporting the youngster's family.
Coach Joe Cadwallader said he was well-respected as a cyclist and mechanic.
Aidan became the 25-mile time trial UK junior champion last year.
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The teen was also a mentor to others on the team and will be "very much missed".
Cadwallader added: "He never judged anyone and always supported others. Aidan has been part of 360 [Cycling] for over three years.
"During that time he has developed as a person, man, and rider, to a level few of us ever achieve.
"2024 saw some amazing rides from the boy that set out a clear example of what a young person can achieve with the right determination."
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Aidan, from Lancashire, was a talented BMX rider as a kid and later moved into road racing.
He was also the first placed junior cyclist at the 62nd Eddie Soens Memorial race last year at Aintree.
The race is seen as a season opener in cycling and the former winners list includes some star-studded names in the sport, including former Olympic star Ed Clancy.
His cycling team said members were "absolutely heartbroken" in a moving tribute.
The 360Cycling statement read: "It is with the deepest sadness that today we lost one of our young riders.
"At around 10.30am, while on a training ride with his mates, Aidan had an accident which resulted in him losing his life.
"He never judged anyone and always supported others, especially when it came to fixing our bikes.
"RIP Aidan you will be very much missed and always in our hearts!"
Messages have also poured in from friends and teammates.
One wrote: "Aidan wasn’t just a friend but he was an inspiration to the younger rides. He wasn’t just a cyclist or the best bike mechanic in the country but a friend and a teammate."
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Lancashire Police DS Matt Davidson said: "Our thoughts are with this young man's family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time."
The police have appealed for witnesses or anybody with dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage to contact them.
