Family and friends 'devastated' after cyclist, 18, dies in horror crash
A family have paid tribute to a promising young cyclist who died after a horror crash. Aidan Worden was on a training ride with pals on Saturday morning when he was knocked off his bike after crashing with a car.
Medics tried to save the 18-year-old but that he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. His family are being supported by specially trained officers and detectives have launched an investigation into the smash on Blacksnape Road, Hoddlesden, reports Lancashire Live.
The Lancashire teenager had been a talented BMX rider as a youngster, later moving into road racing. He was a member of the 360 cycling team and had celebrated success in 2024, becoming the 25-mile time trial UK junior champion. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
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Last year he was also the first placed junior cyclist at the 62nd Eddie Soens Memorial race at Aintree. The race is seen as a season opener in cycling with the list of former winners reading like a "who’s who of British cycling".
His friends and teammates said last night that he was destined to become very successful in the sport. In a moving tribute, his cycling team said members were "absolutely heartbroken".
They said: "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.
"Aidan has been part of 360 for over three years, during that time he has developed as a person, man and rider to a level few of us ever achieve. He never judged anyone and always supported others, especially when it came to fixing our bikes.
"Last year saw some amazing rides from the boy that set out a clear example of what a young person can achieve with the right determination. He is the current national 25TT Junior Champion and also enjoyed very much being first junior in last year's Eddie Soens.
"As his coach and as teammates for the last three years, watching him grow, train and mentor others, we are absolutely heartbroken. Our thoughts are very much with his beloved family that he leaves behind. Rest in peace Aidan, you will be very much missed and always in our hearts."
Tributes have poured in from friends and teammates. One wrote: "Aiden wasn’t just a friend but he was an inspiration to the younger rides.
"He supported and helped everyone in his way. Aidan wasn’t just a cyclist or the best bike mechanic in the country but a friend and a teammate."
Another posted: "This is devastating and shocking news. One of the nicest kids you could meet. I remember him cheering for me in a cyclo-cross race and I'm an old duffer and was not far from last but that was the type of generous person he was. My deepest condolences to the family."
A third said: "Oh my, this is a shock. We are terribly saddened to hear that a beautiful, caring and promising young man has been taken from his family and also a wider community who knew this lovely young fellow. Condolences to the Worden family."
A fourth added: "We are absolutely devastated about what has happened. Aidan was such a nice young man and has always been kind to me and my two boys. He’s always offered support with bikes and helped my kids at training. Thoughts go out to his family and friends. You will be missed. RIP Aidan."
Another wrote: "Absolutely terrible news, such a nice lad, watched him ride many times. Had grit, manners, determination and heart in equal measure. Am sure he would have made it to a lot higher levels. Rest in peace Aidan."
Lancashire Police said: "At 10.28am on Saturday February 1 we were called to reports of a collision between a cyclist and a car on Blacksnape Road, Hoddlesden, Darwen.
"Emergency services attended and very sadly, despite their best efforts, the cyclist, an 18-year-old man, was pronounced deceased at the scene."
DS Matt Davidson said: "Our thoughts are with this young man's family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time. They are being supported by specially trained officers. An investigation is underway, and I am appealing for help from the public.
"If you witnessed this incident, have any dashcam/CCTV/doorbell footage, or any information that could assist us in our investigation, then please get in touch."
People are asked to call 101 quoting log 460 of February 1 2025 or email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk