'A huge character who made a big impression' - tribute to cycling champion
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TRIBUTE has been paid to former World Masters champion Ivor Reid who has died at the age of 57.
Mr Reid, who became a World Masters champion in 2006 at the age of 46 after picking up gold in the team sprint at Manchester, died suddenly on Monday at his home at Wellside Gardens in Balloch, where he lived with his wife Elaine.
Fellow Inverness track cyclist Roddy Riddle was a good friend of Mr Reid's, the pair getting to know each other well during their time together, both in training and when competing.
Mr Riddle, a Commonwealth Games cyclist and cycling record breaker who runs Bikes of Inverness in Grant Street with his brother Kenny, said: "Ivor was a huge character who made a big impression on everyone he met and will be sadly missed, not just by the cycling community but everyone whose hearts he touched.
"I have some amazing memories of holidays with Ivor, Elaine and my wife Lynn at both pre-season cycling training camps and post-season relaxing breaks.
"Ivor was one of the main reasons I broke Graeme Obree's Scottish hour record in 1995. He travelled twice a week with me to Meadowbank Velodrome for numerous weeks leading up to it, standing trackside doing time checks, giving me his full support and the confidence that breaking the record could be achieved."
Hinting that laughter was also a big a part of training sessions he added: "We are probably the only two people who have ridden around Meadowbank Velodrome the wrong way completely naked, why I have no idea but it seemed right at the time.
"Nothing was ever a bother for Ivor and he was known as someone who you could rely on when you needed him.
"This is a very sad time and my thoughts go out to his childhood sweetheart and wife Elaine and his family and friends."
Mr Reid's funeral will take place on Saturday at 10.30am at Inverness Crematorium. All are welcome to attend.
