18 year old British junior champion dies after training collision

Heartbreaking news has emerged from Britain this morning as Aiden Worden, a promising young cyclist, has tragically passed away at the age of 18. The talented rider was involved in a training accident on Saturday morning in Darwen, Lancashire, when he collided with a car at approximately 10:30 am UK time.

“Emergency services attended the scene but unfortunately despite their efforts the cyclist passed away at the scene,” local police confirmed.

Worden had already made a name for himself in the cycling world, winning the British junior time trial championship in the 25-mile category last year. His untimely passing has left the entire cycling community in mourning.

British Cycling expressed their devastation at the loss of such a talented young rider.

“Everyone at British Cycling is shocked by the tragic loss of Aiden Worden. He was a promising young rider and an incredibly valued friend and teammate. The entire cycling community will undoubtedly be deeply affected by his loss,” the British Cycling Federation wrote on social media. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”

The European Cycling Union (UEC) also shared its condolences, acknowledging the tragedy of his passing.

“The British junior time trial champion tragically died in a collision with a car during training. Another young life lost too soon.”

The sport of cycling is enduring a difficult period, with safety concerns at the forefront of discussion. Just last month, 19-year-old Italian cyclist Sara Piffer also lost her life after a collision with a car. Piffer, who rode for the Italian Team Mendelspeck, became another name on a growing list of riders who have tragically lost their lives in recent years.

In the past two years, the cycling community has mourned the losses of Gino Mäder and Muriel Furrer, both of whom died while participating in the sport they loved. These incidents have sparked urgent conversations about the safety of cyclists both in competition and during training. Many are now calling for increased measures to protect riders on the roads.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News, an investigation into Aiden’s accident has been launched by authorities. His family is being supported by specially trained officers as they come to terms with this unimaginable loss.

Aiden had been an integral part of 360Cycling for over three years, developing both as a rider and as a person within the team. His tragic passing has left a deep void among those who knew him best.

His teammate Maxwell Hereward shared an emotional tribute.

“He was a man I am proud and love so deep in my heart. I’m going to miss you, mate. I hope you had a good last few months with me and everyone around you. I love and miss you so much.”