A cyclist injured during last week's Abergavenny Handicap Road Race has died.

The rider, 26-year-old Ben Carroll from Cardiff, collided with a van on Tuesday night while travelling along the old A40 between Raglan and Abergavenny at 8.50pm.

The incident occurred a short distance from Penpergwm when the cyclists believed that the road had been closed to traffic for the finish near the Hardwick allowing the peloton both lanes for the sprint to the finish.

Mr Carroll was taken by ambulance to Nevill Hall Hospital where he died the following day from his injuries.

Another man from Abertillery, 33-year-old Dan Taylor, was also injured in the group of fallen cyclists and was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport for treatment.

A statement on Cardiff Ajax Cycling Club's website said, "It is with great sadness that the club informs that Ben Carroll was killed in an incident in the Abergavenny Handicap Race.

"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 to allow the Police, Welsh Cycling and the race organisers the opportunity to investigate the matter."

Ben's family paid tribute and said, "He was the oak tree at the centre of all his friends; tall, strong and dependable.

"He always went out of his way for his friends and family.

"Everyone would gather at his base, for social events, parties and sports. He always strived to be the best at what he loved, be it biking or climbing. He lived life to the full and wasn't afraid to try anything new.

"He was a fantastic caring son, brother, grandson and friend. Our lovely big boy Ben. Quick witted, sensitive and gentle. Ben died doing exactly what he loved and wanted to be doing- racing his road bike. He'll always be our race leader."

Abergavenny-born world cycling champion Becky James tweeted about her shock at hearing about the incident and said that her thoughts were with Mr Carroll's family.

Bill Owen, organiser of Abergavenny Festival of Cycling said, "This is a terrible incident and our thoughts also go out to the family and friends of the people involved in it."

An eyewitness said that around six riders leading the field of the Abergavenny Handicap, a 45-mile race, were cycling side-by-side as they headed towards the finish line.

Gareth James, brother of Becky, Abergavenny's double World champion, was one of the 70 riders who were taking part in the race and spoke of the chaos on Twitter.

"First bike race in two years. First crash on the road ever. Some boys sprinting on the opposite side of the road into traffic. Hit a van and took about ten riders out."

Mr Taylor's coach Dave Roberts said that he had received an injury to his nose which occurred when he was struck by another cyclist

Over the Cycling Festival weekend, the Grand Prix of Wales paid its own tribute to Ben Carroll by stopping the race for a minute's silence at the spot where the cyclist lost his life.

A British Cycling spokesperson said, "Fortunately, this kind of incident is rare. British Cycling takes rider safety extremely serious and it remains the most important priority at any event.

"We join with our colleagues at Welsh Cycling in offering our sympathies to his friends and family."

Police are investigating the circumstances of the collision and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward and contact them on 101 and quote number 576 9/7/13.