TWO cyclists have been named as victims of the Shoreham Airshow disaster.

Richard Smith died along with his friend Dylan Archer in the jet crash last Saturday.

Richard set out from his home in Hove to meet Dylan Archer for a bike ride into the South Downs to join another friend.

Tragically, they never arrived.

Richard was described as a lively, good humoured 26-year-old.

He worked in marketing and web development at ActSmart, an independent company based in Hove, specialising in providing advice to the cycle industry.

Richard grew up in Buckinghamshire before going to university in Birmingham. He moved to Hove two years ago. 

A family statement, issued by Sussex Police, read: “Richard's passions in life were for his family, friends and his beloved bikes. His boundless enthusiasm was infectious. He was a truly wonderful, caring and loving person.

"He leaves behind his partner Victoria, his parents Julie and Jonathan, and two much-loved brothers William and Edward. He will be so sorely missed by all who knew him.

“All our family appreciate the beautiful tributes to Richard and offers of help and support we have received from friends.”

Jonathan Smith, director of ActSmart, said: "Richard was a truly unique individual; highly intelligent and creative with a great sense of humour.

"He was a much valued and respected member of the ActSmart team, whose company was greatly enjoyed by all of his colleagues. Richard had spent Friday evening partying on Brighton beach with his colleagues and friends.

"Richard was a fanatical cyclist and in his 20 months with the business he made an impact on the cycling market, not just in the UK, but internationally,re-energising the industry's Cytech training programme at home and overseas.

"We are all totally devastated by this tragedy and are still trying to come to terms with the loss of such a young, fun, individual who had endless potential in life and in his career.

"Richard's family and friends are very much in our thoughts at this time, along with the others who have been impacted by this awful tragedy."

The family of Dylan Archer, 42, also issued a tribute.

It read: “Dylan was a kind and loving father, partner, brother, grandson and friend. His dry humour and generous nature will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

“Dylan grew up in the Midlands where he nurtured a lifelong passion for bikes and cars. He came to live in Brighton in 1991, he loved the area, especially the South Downs, and would have been heading for one of his favourite cycle routes, Coombes Road, and up on to the South Downs Way.

"Dylan was a trusted and respected IT consultant, co-founder and Director of a Brighton IT company.

“He leaves behind Alice, his partner of 17 years, their two sons aged 15 and 12, his sister Ruth and two-year-old niece. He was adored by them all.

“The family are very touched by all the tributes, and thank everyone for their kindness and generosity.”