Tributes paid to teenage cyclist killed in crash off A449
A cycling club has paid tribute to a teenage rider who died in a road accident on Wednesday.
Wolverhampton Wheelers Cycling Club chairman John Ireson called Joseph Guy's death an 'absolute tragedy', adding the young cyclist had plans to compete professionally.
The 16-year-old from Willenhall died after a collision with a van on Wednesday morning.
Mr Ireson added: "He had a love of cycling and it was his dream to compete professionally. He was already competing at a national level and he was a very good time trialist.
"Just on the weekend he competed in the Shrewsbury GP. He was a lovely lad, cheeky chap and he loved his cycling. We've never had a serious incident like this – it's incomprehensible.
"There's been a lot of emotion since it happened, but this is has brought out the best humanity. The tributes have been overwhelming.
"Cycling is a very tight-knit community, they're very passionate and everyone's being very supportive. Our thoughts are with his family, he has a brother and sister and his parents have always been very supportive of his cycling."
Joe joined the club from Wolves Cycle Speedway and had been with the the Wheelers for more than five years.
The club held a gathering on Wednesday evening for members to talk through their grief, after originally cancelling their track meeting. Members rode in tribute to Joe, with #Ride4Joe chalked on the track, as well as his personal best time.
The club has also changed its Facebook profile picture to Joseph in tribute, with Mr Ireson posting: "I am sorry to have to share tragic news that Joe was in collision with a vehicle this morning and has subsequently died as a result.
"Joe was out on a training ride with Matty Lewis a devoted friend and training partner to him, all of our love and support goes out to Joe's family and friends. Words cannot describe how we all feel."
The crash happened on Straight Mile at the junction of Vicarage Road, off the busy A449, in Four Ashes just after 9.50am on Wednesday.
A fundraiser will be held this Sunday from 9.30am at Aldersley Stadium, Wolverhampton.
All attendees are asked to donate £5 which will go to Joe's family.
