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FORMER Team GB, Commonwealth Games cyclist and journalist Richard Moore has died aged 49.
The popular Scot passed away on Monday and tributes have poured in from the cycling community.
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It is unknown what caused his sad death.
Moore represented Great Britain internationally and rode for Scotland at the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
He remained a keen cyclist and shared a 79km ride in Belgium on Strava on Sunday, two days after a three-and-a-half 101km effort.
After retiring from competition, he stepped into journalism and became a podcaster – launching The Cycling Podcast in 2013 – and an award-winning author.
The Dirtiest Race in History – based on the 1988 Olympics 100m final – is widely regarded as one of the best sports books ever while In Search of Robert Miller won the best biography at the 2008 British Sports Books Awards.
The Cycling Podcast’s Lionel Birnie and Daniel Friebe confirmed the passing of their “leader, lynchpin, friend and brother” with an emotional statement on Wednesday.
It said: “Monday was an unfathomably difficult day. In the morning we received the news that our leader, lynchpin, friend and brother Richard Moore had passed away. We are all shattered.
“Before the podcast’s genesis in 2013, Richard had already built one flourishing career as a brilliant, versatile and prolific author and journalist.
“His books won awards, his warmth and humour drew friends – an enormous circle of the most diverse personality types spanning sports and continents.
“To us, he was a force of nature, unerring but above all unifying.
“There can be no consolation today, but the closest thing is knowing that the network of affection and love he knitted will now become an edifice of support for those most deeply affected by this loss.
“The Cycling Podcast would simply never have started without Richard. Our thumbs would still be poised over the record button, frozen in June 2013.
“He cajoled, drove, supported and indulged us from the first episode to what will not be the last, released a week ago, for we owe him that and so much more.
“Driven by his dual passions of cycling and journalism, Richard’s greatest achievement with The Cycling Podcast was not as the life-force behind an innovative media product; it was as the builder, the federal spirit of a family that today comprises dozens of contributors, friends all around the world, and listeners who felt that they became just that – Richard’s friends.
“It will take us some time to process this tragedy, and, mainly for the sake of Richard’s family, we kindly ask for your respect and understanding over the coming days.
“In due course, it will be our imperative to convey more fully how privileged we feel to have known Richard, and to keep his towering legacy alive.”
‘SAD AND UNBELIEVABLE LOSS’
Cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy said: “Absolutely devastated to hear the awful news that @richardmoore73 has passed away.
“Can’t quite believe it. An incredible person who touched so many lives.
“Wish I’d told him just how much I thought of him before he went. Rest in peace Richard x”
The Times’ senior sports writer Matt Dickinson tweeted: “Awful news.
“Hugely talented journalist/author/podcaster but, much more than that, a very warm, generous man and companion on the road.”
The Women’s Tour added: “We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Richard Moore.
“Richard has been a regular at the Women’s Tour since our inaugural edition, providing invaluable coverage with the @cycling_podcast. We’ll miss his knowledge, insight and acerbic wit.”
Pancreatic Cancer UK added: “We are so sorry to hear the awful news that Richard Moore has died.
“He did so much to combine his love of cycling with a passion for taking on the deadliest common cancer, and we’ll be forever grateful for his support. All our thoughts today are with his loved ones.”
A Cycling Podcast listener wrote: “I can’t believe Richard Moore has passed away.
“Never met Richard but along with @cycling_podcast Lionel and Daniel they have become like friends and massive part of my life.
“It’s a sad and unbelievable loss especially to his family, colleagues and real life friends. Gutted.”
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