COVENTRIANS have been invited to pay their tributes to ‘true city cycling legend’ Mick Ives, who passed away last week aged 84.
The former British champion and national team coach died peacefully in the early hours of Thursday, January 18 at Coventry Hospice.
Mick was admitted to Coventry Hospital and then the hospice in early October following several heart attacks.
He leaves behind his wife Sheila and daughter Angela.
Following an early career as a draftsman working with Sir Alex Moulton on his original bike designs, Mick dedicated himself to cycle racing, and his hugely successful career spanned four decades.
He scooped up 81 British championship titles and eight world masters cycling titles, including becoming a world champion in the time trial.
Remarkably, in 2005, as a 65-year-old, Mick became the only cyclist to complete the Tour de France route in one day less than the race itself.
His friend, Rory Hitchens, paid tribute to Mick, describing him as a ‘force of nature’ and a ‘one of a kind’.
He added: “The doctors became increasingly stunned by Mick’s stamina and determination to survive long beyond what they predicted was possible.
“Even from his hospice bed, Mick penned a letter to British Cycling that secured national championship titles and jerseys for the 70+ age category in mountain biking and cyclo-cross – he was pioneering to the end.
“Always popular with the athletes, Mick knew how to blend his experienced training methods with a light-hearted and motivational persona that brought out the best in countless professional and amateur cyclists alike.
“Throughout his whole life, Mick loved to help people get into cycling and was a classic club cyclist himself.
“Many tributes to Mick are now appearing on social media and talk of his never-ending support and passion for bringing cyclists into and up through the sport.
“Mick’s family would like to give thanks for the many kind messages of support and to the amazing staff at Coventry Hospice who looked after him in his final months.”
A tribute Facebook group has now been set up, with fans of the Coventry legend encouraged to post messages, stories and photographs of him.
Visit ‘Celebrating Mick Ives the cycling legend’ on Facebook to post your tribute.
