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Last Updated: Aug 13th, 2008 - 22:49:12 |
DAVE MCCALL – A TRAGIC LOSS. RACES POSTPONED
By Tommy Lamb, Cycling Ulster, and Shane Stokes
Aug 13, 2008,
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| Davy McCall - RIP |
The entire cycling community throughout Ireland has been shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic death of Davy McCall (Maryland Wheelers). Davy was killed last night while competing in the Phoenix CC - Maryland Wheelers Inter-club league event at Nutts Corner.
The big man was a stalwart of the sport in Ulster. He was a top class international cyclist winning many honours on the road and track. When he retired from international competition he continued to promote the sport he loved serving on the Executive of the Ulster Cycling Federation (Cycling Ulster) for many years.
He was a man prepared to put a lot back into cycling qualifying as a commissaire and a top coach. He was also the driving force behind the motor-cycle marshal training scheme which he launched a few years ago.
As a mark of respect tonight’s Northern Ireland Hill Climb Championship and tomorrow’s Ulster 25 TT Championship have been postponed.
The Executive of C.U. offer their deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Dave’s family circle. A full tribute will follow later.
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Irishcycling.com adds:
My first meeting with Dave was at the Irish road race championships in Dundrod several seasons ago. He was involved in the organisation of the race and was extremely helpful in the run-up to the event and on the weekend itself.
Dave and business partners Martin Birney and Flora Mittermair also provided support to the site in other ways; they have run the highly-respected Sportactive training camps in Majorca for several years and, thanks to their banner ad on Irishcycling.com, have been one of our valued backers. Their support has helped make our coverage possible and is greatly appreciated.
Last year Dave invited me to visit the Sportactive camp prior to the start of the world track championships I was in Majorca to cover. I got to know him a little better then and to see his huge energy and enthusiasm for the sport and for the camps themselves. Well run and very professionally organised, the camps also benefited from his warm and friendly nature. That sort of input was part of what made the cycling holidays in Majorca and at the Tour de France so enjoyable for those who have attended.
The news of Dave’s accident while racing is a huge shock to all; our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
- Shane Stokes
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