The cyclist involved in a road traffic collision which closed the main road into Tenby has paid tribute to the members of the public and emergency service personnel who went to his aid.

Sixty-year-old Drew Smith was out training for his first Ironman Wales, last Tuesday, and had been cycling from New Hedges into Tenby along the A478 when a car pulled out in front of him at the junction of Narberth Road.

“I crashed into the side and somersaulted over the car landing on the road,” said Drew, a retired station officer with the fire brigade.

Drew continued: “I was on my way to Haverfordwest to meet my wife to go swimming when the accident happened.

“I was travelling at around 30 mph. I saw cars waiting at the junction and as I got to within five metres, the first one pulled out. I quickly thought brace yourself as there was nowhere for me to go as there was traffic coming the other way. The next thing I remember was spinning through the air and thinking this is it, before having a second sensation of hitting the ground.

“I was clipped into my bike and I think that saved me from serious injury.

“Because of my 30-year service in the fire brigade, I appreciate the damage that metal, tarmac and speed can do to the human body. I am bruised, battered and have to have an x-ray on my right knee as that’s still pretty sore.

“My first thought was to get up once I had hit the ground after of course I had checked I could move my fingers and toes, but three or four people rushed over to me and told me to stay where I was. I just remember thinking I am still alive and in one piece.

“I was lucky in that two nurses were amongst the people who rushed to see if I was ok.”

The emergency services were called and police and firefighters were quickly on scene and dealt with Drew prior to the arrival of an ambulance.

“The policeman, firefighters and paramedics were fabulous, as were the members of the public. The care and compassion I received left me very humbled.”

Drew was checked over by the paramedics at the scene and allowed home without needing to attend hospital.

Whilst Drew is on the mend, sadly his bike is a right-off.

“The stem snapped in half which just shows how violent the impact was,” said Drew.

“But I have been inundated with kind people offering me temporary loans of bikes.

“Something like this really does bring out the best in people. I have been overwhelmed by how kind and thoughtful people have been.”

Whilst mentally Drew is keen to get back training for September’s gruelling triathlon challenge, physically, time will tell how how long he will need to rest before starting training again.