Pal's tribute to cyclist Stuart (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Pal's tribute to cyclist Stuart

8:48am Wednesday 8th October 2008 in

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Mourners from around the world are expected to attend the funeral of a cyclist who died following a road accident.

Stuart Holdsworth, 64, formerly of Bingley, was in a collision with a Volkswagen Golf towing a caravan on the A65 near Gildersleets, Giggleswick, in the Yorkshire Dales. He was taken to Airedale General Hospital, where he died.

Friends and cycling colleagues from all over the world are due to attend his funeral on Friday, including Supertramp saxophonist John Helliwell who has cut short a holiday in Tuscany.

Police investigations are continuing into the accident, on Thursday.

Keith Lambert, of Denholme, who had known Mr Holdsworth since their 1960s racing days and eventually turned pro, said his friend would be irreplaceable.

Mr Lambert, who runs a cycle shop in Bingley, said: “We’ve been friends and I suppose racing rivals for many years.

“Stuart was in the East Bradford cycling club while I was in Bradford Elite. Stuart will be very sadly missed. He was one in a million.”

Before retiring, Mr Holdsworth worked in IT for the Bradford & Bingley. He moved to Langcliffe, near Skipton, 12 years ago.

He became secretary of the Settle-based World Wide Wheelers Club. He was also a member of the Dave Rayner Fund and co-organiser of the annual fundraising dinner in memory of the Bradford cyclist, who died in 1994.

Mr Holdsworth leaves his wife Christine, daughter Sofie, sister Anne and nephews Gavin and Richard.

His funeral service takes place at Settle Parish Church at 11am on Friday, followed by interment at Brocklands Woodland Burial, Rathmell.

e-mail: newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk