The heartbroken loved ones of two cyclists who died in a horrific crash on the A40 still have “unanswered questions” for the man who admitted to causing their deaths.

At Wycombe Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Thursday), 60-year-old Clifford Rennie, of Wantage Road in Wallingford, admitted responsibility for the deaths of Damien Natale, 52, and Andy Coles, 56, and pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving.

READ MORE: Man pleads guilty to causing death of two cyclists in A40 Wycombe smash

Speaking after the hearing, the partners of Damien and Andy spoke of their relief at the guilty pleas, meaning they will not have to go through the pain of a trial, but feel there are still ‘unanswered questions’ surrounding the deaths.

Helen Atherton, partner of Andy Coles, said: “Mr Rennie has pleaded guilty, so we do avoid the further challenge and stress of a trial.

“Yet we are still left with the unanswered question of what he was doing in his car other than looking at the road and not driving around two amazing men, as others did that evening.”

Damien’s wife, Tracey Natale, added that both of the men’s families found the charge “challenging”.

She said: “While today’s guilty plea means we can finally start to move on with our lives and avoid the ordeal of a trial, the charge of careless driving has been something both our families have struggled with.”

READ MORE: Land Rover speeder had ‘no option’ and broke limit to prevent cyclist’s ‘death’

Following the hearing, both women paid emotional tribute to the two men they have lost.

Mrs Natale said: “Damien meant the world to us and no words come close to expressing the devastation this tragedy has brought to our family and friends.

“His passion for sport knew no bounds and he was the man you could always rely on - he touched the hearts of everyone he met.

“Learning to live without Damien has been an impossible challenge and I’m certain had Mr Rennie been driving with greater awareness that day, the outcome would be completely different.”

Ms Atherton added: “Damien and Andy were great friends and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds through cycling and event organisation with Allezsportives (the cycling events firm they co-founded).

They tirelessly organised multiple charity rides including Ride4Life, Scannappeal, Circuito Del Caffe together with countless corporate events supporting Cancer Research, Mind and Macmillan.

“Losing Andy is devastating and I, his family and friends will never recover from this. 

“He was loved and respected by all who met him – the impact of his loss is immeasurable. The actions of one man mean we can no longer spend the rest of our lives together.”

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