Cardiff cyclist killed after crash between racers and van
A cyclist taking part in a Monmouthshire road race has died after a collision involving a van.
Ben Carroll, 26, from the Cardiff Ajax cycling club had been taking part in the Abergavenny Festival of Cycling handicap race on Tuesday evening.
A second rider also suffered minor injuries after they were in collision with a van travelling in the other direction on the A40 Old Raglan Road.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
The Cardiff Ajax club confirmed that Mr Carroll died on Wednesday following the incident.
In a statement released on its website, it said: "It is with great sadness that the club informs that Ben Carroll was killed in an incident in the Abergavenny Handicap Race last night.
"Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to Ben's family and friends.
"We would greatly appreciate it if there could be no speculation about this tragic incident and allow the police, Welsh Cycling and the race organisers the opportunity to investigate the matter."
Gwent Police said the incident happened on the A40 between the Steelhorse Cafe and Hardwick roundabout at about 20:50 on Tuesday.
The cyclists had been heading in the direction of Abergavenny and the van had been travelling in the opposite direction.
Mr Carroll was taken to Nevill Hall hospital but later died from his injuries.
The organiser for the cycling festival, Bill Owen said: "This is a terrible incident and our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the people involved in it."
The festival officials say the event had been organised by local cycling clubs.
The sport's governing body in Wales, Welsh Cycling, confirmed it was liaising with police as an investigation into how the incident happened continues.
Anne Adams-King, chief executive of Welsh Cycling, said: "Everyone at Welsh Cycling has been deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts and those of the wider cycling community are with Ben's family and friends."
The incident led the Abergavenny world cycling champion Becky James to post a message on Twitter stating: "Horrific news about the rider who crashed in Abergavenny handicap last night. So sad to hear! Thoughts are with his family."