A cycling community in Wales is in "total shock" following the death of a popular rider in a crash.
Tributes have been paid to David Fanning, who was described as "full of life" and someone who always "led from the front"
David was out cycling on Monday night, January 31, when he was in a crash with a vehicle on the A5 towards Llangollen, Denbighshire.
He was attended to at the scene by an off-duty nurse and a police officer, however police confirmed he died at the scene of the crash, North Wales Live reports.
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News of his passing has rippled through Wales' cycling community, in which he had been well known.
Warren Aykroyd-Duckett lived close to David, both from Rhug, said: "David Fanning or known to me as chaos !! What a character.
"I’ll always remember last Jan where we went up the forestry in the snow and you ended up carrying your bike back down as your brakes failed, or Feb when we went for a slow ride to Cerrig and you set off like a train with me trying to keep up about a mile behind.
"I’m glad I seen you to speak to last week before this tragic accident happened !!
"Keep leading from the front up there my friend."
Helen Tudor from Oswestry Paragon cycling group said: "Dave 'DJ' Fanning started competing in time trials in the Shropshire/North Wales area several years ago making an instant impression on all he met.
"In a sport where most riders embrace all things hi-tech to improve their times, he was notable in that his mission was to eclipse the times set in his youth using similar equipment.
"He was always interested in other riders and their bikes and would spend many hours designing and making is own updates.
"Dave was also well known for covering large amounts of miles riding out to races and then riding home afterwards."
David was also a member of the Bala Cycling Club, with many members leaving their condolences on local associated Facebook groups.
One person wrote: "Such sad news. Dave was a lovely person. So full of life"
While another remembered Mr Fanning's character: "Total shock ! One of our funniest and nuttiest characters on the time trial scene. Won’t be the same without him."
North Wales Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision which involved a pedal cycle and a dark coloured Mitsubishi Shogun.
The incident occurred just before the 40mph sign entering Llidiart-y-Parc towards Llangollen.
Sgt Raymond Williams asked anybody with information to contact officers at the Roads Policing Unit via the website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 22000075053.
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