Teacher Peter Smith, aged 54, was killed on Saturday after he was in collision with a white Ford Transit van on the A1 near Markham Moor in North Nottinghamshire.

He had been out measuring a course for a time trial race.
The family man from Periwood Grove, Beauchief, who is married to wife Kay was a member of the Holmfirth-based Holme Valley Wheelers Cycling Club.

A keen cyclist, he was heavily involved in organising cycling races, held the position of secretary for the Cycling Time Trials Yorkshire District and a was member of the CTT national committee.

Peter McGrath, national chairman of the CTT said: "Peter was a great guy - one of those who had participated in the sport and was prepared to put something back into it. He was a super person, well liked by everyone who knew him, and was always prepared to help people out - which is exactly what he was doing when he was killed.

"He was a really nice man, and was participating in all the things we're doing to try and modernise our sport. He will be very much missed."

Mick Phillips, chairman of the Yorkshire CTT said: "He was my righthand man. He always took the job seriously and did some superb work on behalf of all cyclists. Apart from that he was just a great guy - you could talk to him about anything."

Nottinghamshire Police are appealing for witnesses to the smash which was reported at 1.50pm on Saturday.

Inspector Dave Hibbert from Nottinghamshire Police said Peter was cycling along the A1 half a mile north of the entry slip road to Balderton and Newark when he was struck by the white Ford Transit van. He died at the scene.

Peter taught mainly science at East Hill Special School on East Bank Road, Norfolk Park for over 15 years, as well as some general English and maths.

Headteacher Keith Jenkins said both pupils and staff were very upset by the devastating news.

He added: "Peter was a very talented teacher who had great empathy for young people and was able to give them excellent support.


Would you like to leave a tribute to Peter? Click here to add a message in our book of condolence.

"He was a much valued colleague and certainly will be greatly missed by us all - he has left us with a very big gap to fill."

Mr Jenkins said a full tribute to Peter would be paid by the school at a later date, possibly with a special assembly.

Tributes have been paid to Peter on cycling websites and the Holme Valley Wheelers have set up a book of condolences on their website.
A tribute on the site said: "He will be sadly missed for his genuinely warm personality, combined with a wry/dry Yorkshire sense of humour - a true gentle giant."

A tribute on the Time Trialling Forum website read: "Awful news. The family of cycling will feel this loss, as of course, will his family."
Another read: "Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. It's always a shock to hear such news as this.

Another said: "Such a nice bloke, I'll miss him."

One writer said: "Dreadful news. A big loss to the district and the sport as a whole. Condolences to his family."

And another message said: "I am so sorry to hear this news. I knew Peter...condolences to his family, club mates and his friends on the national committee. Ride easy everyone and think of Pete."

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact PC 1135 Darrington at Nottinghamshire Police on 01636 657075 or Nottinghamshire Police on 0115 9670999.

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