CYCLING: MEMBERS of Rugby Velo were saddened following the passing of club legend Tony Haigh, who died aged 88.
Tony, who was in regular contact with the press to cover he beloved club, will be remembered by many locals and the national cycling scene.
He was present at the unaugural meeting of the Rugby Velo Club on January 5 1953.
Acting as Club Secretary, he became the driving force behind the growth of the club – which turned into one of the foremost amateur road racing clubs in the country.
Tony, himself a very keen road rider, won a 100+ mile race which, from a field including a number of international teams, finished in Burford.
As a senior sales engineer at the then BTH Works, his organisational skills saw him keep meticulous records of all the club’s activities, members and their results.
Teams were entered in many major events and, over the years, a number of riders progressed to represent Great Britain.
Among the many he encouraged were Ron Woodhouse – winner of the 1955 Welsh National Trophy – George Halls, and Jim Ridler.
Tony, who also had a keen interest in the Rugby Lions, maintained a high level of fitness into his 80s – thinking nothing of 50 mile plus rides.
Despite his developing a form of throat cancer, Tony was still riding well in May of this year.
Eventually, the illness took a final hold, but even in his last days he was still up dating his records with the latest results of the Velo riders.
A Rugby Velo spokesperson said: “We will all long remember the amazing support, time and encouragement he gave to so many.
“The Rugby Velo Club still carries on achieving excellent results and has an enthusiastic membership.”
