TEAM-mates of a veteran cyclist killed crossing the Itchen Bridge in Southampton will tomorrow join an Olympic flag ceremony in his memory.

Dozens of cyclists will don black armbands to take part in the event as a tribute to Derek Witt, 60, who died after a collision with a car.

Another cyclist, Peter Sneddon, 32, was left with serious and extensive injuries to his chest and neck, although he was last night in a stable condition.

Mr Witt, of Swanwick Lane, Swanwick, was a member of the DHC racing team which had agreed to take part in an Olympic torch relay to mark the handover of the games from Beijing to London.

Members of the Woolstonbased club, as well as others on the cycling circuit, are now planning to ride alongside the relay as riders take the flag from rowers at Southampton Water Activities Centre.

Dave Hooper, from DHC, said: "Derek embodied the competitive Olympic spirit. We wanted to dedicate the ride to him because he was such a popular guy.

"We all respected and loved him. He was a legend."

Tributes have poured in for Mr Witt, who was described as a hero and an inspiration to younger cyclists, a "figurehead", "an all time great" and a "man amongst men", who loved the sport and was keen to pass on his experience. He was known to some as The Earl of Swanwick'. A statement issued by the family of Derek Witt said: "Derek was a loving and caring family man who was passionate about cycling. He died doing the sport he loved best.'' There have also been well wishes for Mr Sneddon, of Whiteley, who is known for his infectious enthusiasm for cycling and his sense of humour.

The Itchen Bridge was closed for six hours following the tragic collision at about 8.45pm on Wednesday, which involved a dark coloured Peugeot 406.

Seven ambulances and two doctors attended, with 20 police officers, 12 police cars and firefighters.

Two men and a woman in the car were injured and taken to hospital. Four men and three women from Southampton were arrested. The majority have now been bailed until November. Anyone with information, or who witnessed the collision, is asked to contact Insp Darren Miller at the road deaths investigation team at Eastleigh police station, quoting Operation Chancellor on 0845 045 4545, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

  • Cyclists will receive the flag at SWAC at about 1.45pm. They will cycle along Canute Route and Town Quay, past the Red Funnel Terminal, and turn off at the Mayflower roundabout towards the Quays Swimming and Diving Complex for 2.05pm, then head to the Civic Centre with two young runners.

For full details of the Olympic "flying the flag" ceremony and a route map, see today's Daily Echo