“A GENUINELY funny guy and a wonderful father and family man.”

They are just some of the words being used to describe former Great Britain cyclist Dave Hitchen who was killed in a road crash at the age of 42.

The father-of-one died after a motorbike was in collision with his bicycle during the Bolton Bash cycling event in Lancashire.

The sportive event took place on September 21 and it is believed Dave had been helping less able riders just before the crash.

Dave, who had recently moved from Haresfinch to Billinge, had been a keen cyclist since his early teens.

He went on to win national and international races. Being crowned King of the Mountains in the Tour of Britain was among his greatest achievements.

His wife Nicola said: “David’s thirst for life was clear to all that knew him.

“Jumping on his bike at an early age he discovered both the camaraderie and solitude that time in the saddle brings.

“He was renowned for his witty banter and antics.

“Many will remember David as a truly loyal friend, a genuinely funny guy and a wonderful father and family man.”

Dave, a former Rainford High pupil, was a member of the coveryourcar.co.uk racing team and before this had been in the St Helens and New Brighton cycling clubs.

He died at Preston Hospital where he was taken by air ambulance following the crash.

Cyclists, family and friends held a minute’s silence outside Bickerstaffe Church last week.

Greg Lunt, who runs coveryourcar.co.uk, said: “Hundreds turned out to pay respect. Flowers and jerseys have been placed where the crash happened.”

He added: “I’ve known Dave for over 30 years and he was a talent from the start. You could see it straight away.

“We are truly devastated. He was an amazing character – he’d have you in stitches but would also give the best advice you could get.

“More recently, he’d take his daughter out on the back of his bike - they had a real bond.”

Former St Helens Cycling Club secretary, Roy Tinsley, said: “I watched him go from strength to strength, from schoolboy to adult.

“When he was racing he gave it his all. He’d always stop if anyone was feeling heavy-legged and give them a push.”

His funeral takes place on October 6 and cycling friends will ride behind the hearse as it travels from St Aiden’s Church in Billinge to the crematorium.

Police are appealing for the rider of a black motorcycle and is thought to have been in the area at the time of the collision to come forward.