Teenage cyclist dies after collision with car during training ride

A young cycling champion has died after a collision involving a car during a training ride. Tributes are being paid to Aidan Worden, 18. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene in Darwen on Saturday morning despite efforts to save him.

Police said his family are being supported by specially-trained officers and detectives have launched an investigation into the collision.

Aidan, from Lancashire, was a talented BMX rider as a youngster and later moved into road racing. The teenager was a member of the 360 cycling team and had celebrated success in 2024, becoming the 25-mile time trial UK junior champion.

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, with the list of former winners said to read like a 'who's who of British cycling'.

Paying tribute to him, Aidan's friends and teammates said he was destined to become hugely successful.

In a moving tribute meanwhile, his cycling team said members were 'absolutely heartbroken', reports Lancs Live.

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