Team 'heartbroken' by death of teen cycling champ

Coach Joe Cadwallader said Aidan was well-respected as a cyclist and mechanic, and a mentor to others on the team

A cycling team has been left "absolutely heartbroken" following the death of rising star on the team.

The cyclist, named locally as 18-year-old Aidan Worden, died following a collision between a car and a bike in Darwen on Saturday, police said.

Coach Joe Cadwallader said Aidan was well-respected as a cyclist and mechanic, and a mentor to others on the team, saying he would be "very much missed".

"He never judged anyone, and always supported others," he said.

In 2024, Aidan became UK junior champion in the 25-mile time trial

"Aidan has been part of 360 [Cycling] for over three years," said Mr Cadwallader.

"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.

"As his coach and as team-mates for the last three years - watching him grow, train and mentor others - we are absolutely heartbroken."

As a child, Aidan had been a talented BMX rider, moving into road-racing three years ago when he joined the 360cycling team.

Aidan was the first-placed junior cyclist at the 62nd Eddie Soens Memorial race last year

In 2024, Aidan became the 25-mile time trial UK junior champion.

He was also the first-placed junior cyclist at the 62nd Eddie Soens Memorial race at Aintree last year.

"To go from being a BMX rider to road-racing is unheard of," Mr Cadwallader said.

"I've never seen anything like that. I remember sitting down with him, and his dad, when they said he wanted to switch to road-racing, and saying, 'you're going to waste your money and time'."

"Within 12 months, he had proved me wrong."

Aidan worked as an apprentice with Mr Cadwallader at Aalberts Surface Technologies in Blackburn and was planning to start a degree next year.

Mr Cadwallader said he had been out supporting some of the younger team members on a training ride when the collision occured on Blacksnape Road, Hoddlesden, at 10:30 GMT on Saturday.

Emergency services attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene, Lancashire Police said.

The force said an investigation was under way, and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage to contact them.