MEMBERS of Halesowen Athletic & Cycling Club have been mourning the loss of cycling legend Steve Knight.
National cyclocross champion Steve, from Halesowen, was a life member of the club and an inspiration and an icon in cycling circles.
Tragically, he died while on a bike ride in Chaddesley Corbett, Worcestershire, on September 16, aged 56.
Dave Viner, chairperson of the cycling section at Halesowen Athletic & Cycling Club, said: “The passing of Steve came as a great shock to the cycling community particularly for those many people who follow and take part in cyclocross.
“Steve inspired many young cyclists to take up cyclocross.
“He will be sadly missed by all who knew him especially his many friends at Halesowen Athletics & Cycling Club.”
He described Steve, an international cyclocross competitor whose greatest accomplishment was winning the CX National Championship in 1999, as “a very modest athlete who was highly respected” and he added: “We send our condolences to his family.”
Paying tribute to Steve on the West Midlands CycloCross website, cyclocross rider Isla Rowntree said: “Whilst Steve’s racing results were outstanding and way beyond the dreams of most league participants, he was always a local rider at heart.
“He never accepted he was anything special.
“He didn’t know he was a role model for a whole generation of young riders who grew up idolising him.”
Steve’s funeral was held on Thursday (October 12) at Stourbridge Crematorium and was attended by many former champion riders.
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