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Tributes to 'much loved' cyclist killed in crash while on a training ride

Facebook A man smiling for the camera, wearing a purple top and an aqua baseball cap.Facebook
Iain McTavish was a popular figure on the Scottish cycling scene

Tributes have been paid to a "much loved" cyclist who died in a crash on a busy Inverclyde road while taking part in a training session with fellow riders.

Iain McTavish, 46, was one of three cyclists in a collision with a blue Ford C-Max Zetec on the A8 in Port Glasgow shortly after 19:00 on Tuesday. He died at the scene.

Two other male cyclists, aged 37 and 27, were taken to hospital following the crash on the road's westbound carriageway between the Langbank and Woodhall roundabouts.

The 46-year-old's cycling club Johnstone Wheelers said it was "devastated at the loss of one of cycling's good guys".

Facebook A group of nine cyclists in matching blue and navy “JWCC” cycling kits and helmets, standing with several road bikes beside a bus stop on a tree-lined road on a sunny day. Visible text on several jerseys reads “JWCC.”Facebook
Iain McTavish, at the front of the group, was a member of Johnstone Wheelers Cycling Club

A statement from his family, released by Police Scotland, said: "Iain studied at Glasgow University and gained an MA honours and Masters in Philosophy.

"He was a very active cyclist who competed in events throughout Scotland.

"He was much loved and a valuable member of the community. I will miss him every day."

Scottish Cycling said it was heartbroken to hear the news.

A spokesperson said: "Iain was a vital member of the Scottish Cycling community, a member of Johnstone Wheelers Cycling Club, a stalwart of the Renfrew bunch and Georgetown TTs.

"Iain was the only person to have attended every round of Track League last year and stood as rider rep on their committee. A reliable and friendly face that you knew would be at the meet point of a ride even if nobody else showed up.

"The messages highlighting his positive influence on so many people are already pouring in, and his loss will be felt heavily in the west of Scotland.

"Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and everyone who knew him."

In a social media post, Johnstone Wheelers said the news would take "a long time to sink in and process".

It added: "For now, suffice it to say that we are devastated at the loss of one of cycling's good guys."

The male driver of the Ford, 33, was also taken to hospital but has since been discharged.

The road was closed after the incident but has since reopened.

Sgt Jack Swindells said inquiries were ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the crash.

The Scottish Ambulance Service said three ambulances, four special operations response teams, a critical care team and a rapid resuscitation response team were sent to the scene.