Tributes paid to London cycling "legend" Frank Cubis

Tributes have been paid to Frank Cubis, a stalwart of the London time trialling scene, who passed away on Tuesday as a result of injuries sustained when he was hit by a flatbed van while cycling in Ealing in May. He was aged 75.

The Kingston Phoenix Road Club member was a fixture at time trials in and around the capital where he acted as timekeeper and also devoted his time to mentoring new or lapsed cyclists – indeed, on the day of the collision he was on his way to Richmond Park to help a novice rider.

He leaves behind his wife Diana and daughter Sue, and his son-in-law Colin Bottomley told Cycling UK, of which Mr Cubis had been a longstanding member: “Thank you for giving Frank a purpose and passionate hobby for all of these years.

He added: “He dedicated his life to cycling and the Phoenix Road Club where he had been a member for many, many years.”

The collision that caused the injuries that led to his death happened at 9.45am on the morning of 25 May as he rode from his home in Greenford towards Richmond. The driver of the lorry involved was interviewed by police.

He sustained serious head injuries as well as broken ribs and a broken arm, and last month doctors confirmed to his family that he had suffered brain damage.

One commenter on Timetriallingforum.co.uk said on hearing the news of his death: “This is such sad news, my thoughts are with Frank's family and friends at this time.

 “He was an absolutely fantastic bloke who despite his huge talent as a cyclist and his countless achievements on both two and three wheels, always had time and encouraging words for everyone no matter what level they competed at.

“His commitment to the sport was of course immense and well known in the area. When I was riding time trials in my time with the KPRC Frank was an enormous help giving me lifts to events, putting me up at his house before races and generally dispensing tips and advice.

 “Like all who met him I have many happy memories of Frank, he was truly a legend.”

Similar sentiments were expressed on the same thread by many others upon learning of the crash in May.

Another member of the forum wrote: “Very sad to hear this. Like many clubs in the area, Frank has been timekeeping at our Open event. An incredible commitment to the sport and a truly charming person.

“I couldn't fail to spot him either at the start or finish of TTs in London South events. You would see him at a Saturday afternoon event and the next morning starting riders off at 6.30am for another TT, sitting on his little folding stool.

 “There are few gestures of encouragement and words that I will remember fondly. Like waving at me after my finish while he was timekeeping or providing reassurance, kind words and few jokes the morning of an event I was promoting.

“Thank you Frank, RIP.”