Cyclist who died in charity bike ride on A5 was a former professional footballer

Karl Payne, 44, was taking part in the 110-mile Dougie Mac bike ride between Trent Vale to Llangollen and back in aid of the Douglas Macmillan Hospice in North Staffordshire when he collapsed on the A5 near Chirk yesterday morning.

Mr Payne played for, managed and coached a host of clubs during his career, including Burton Albion, Gresley FC, Bromsgrove Sporting FC, Belper Town, Belvedere Park FC, Stapenhill FC, Ashby Ivanhoe FC and Mickleover Sports FC.

Tributes have poured in for Mr Payne following the news of his death.

A spokesman from Belvedere Park FC, where Mr Payne was a former coach/manager, said: "We are desperately saddened to hear of the tragic, sudden and untimely loss of Karl Payne, an ex coach/manager of Belvedere Park FC, and very well known to many of our members, including the club committee, team managers, parents and indeed players past and present of the club.

"Karl was extremely popular and very well respected amongst his peers - he gave years of selfless service to the club and was a superb coach, as well as being a great friend to many, always having a laugh and kind, supportive word for all.

"All at the club would like to extend our sincerest and deepest condolences to the family Karl leaves behind - he will be sadly missed, fondly remembered, and will always be a part of the history of our club. RIP Karl Payne from everyone at Belvedere Park FC."

A spokesman for Stapenhill FC, another of his former clubs, said: "All at the club are devastated to hear of the passing of former Swans player, coach and all round top man Karl Payne. Taken far too soon."

Other riders and passers-by stopped to try to help him and emergency services were quickly on the scene. The Wales Air Ambulance was also called to help.

More than 1,000 people took part in the event choosing either 10, 50 or 110 mile routes. Mr Payne, who died was almost half way through the longest ride, from Stoke-on-Trent to Llangollen when the tragedy happened.

The Douglas Macmillan Hospice thanked the emergency services and cyclists who tried to help Mr Payne.

Chief Executive of the charity, David Webster said: "I have been made aware that other participants in the event stopped and tried to help the cyclist whilst waiting for the arrival of the emergency services, we thank everyone for their kindness and genuine display of consideration for their fellow event participant, who was not known to them personally.

"We share their sadness and deep regret that nothing could be done to help the cyclist.

"Ultimately though, our thoughts and hearts go out to the family and friends of the cyclist, we extend our deepest condolences on their sad and untimely loss."

Karen McKenzie, hospice director of income generation, also praised the staff and volunteers for the way they carried on with the day and supported all those affected by the situation.

North Wales Police have asked any witnesses to the incident, to contact them on 101, quoting incident reference number V065161.