Eddie won’t be known to anyone over here – he was a champion of another country and another generation – but he has helped and inspired so many cyclists in the London area that I thought his death should not go unnoticed here and I could share some of his life with you.

Eddie welcomed me to Addiscombe Cycling Club in 1999 and over the coming years he wowed me with his generosity and commitment. I remember accepting a lift home after an evening club time trial and fearing for my life in his temperamental old van as he regaled me with tales of his time spent at and under the sea in WW2. Then whilst a few of us young ones were preparing for our first 12 hour time trials, inspired by Eddie, he was there to make sure all our preparations went smoothly and offer advice on nutrition including various teas, bizarre sandwiches and rice pudding with peaches in our bottles. Eddie was there at the roadside at 5:30am to wave us off, to hand us food every hour and encourage us until we finished. Eddie reminded us that it’s not about winning; it’s about trying your best and having fun.

In 1952 Eddie set his second UK National 24 Hour TT Record with a distance of 467.52 miles. With his tandem partner, Stan Harvey, he also claimed numerous distance TT records across the UK.

Today we can all see video of Merckx and Coppi and dream of the romantic days of cycling when men wrapped tires across their chests and wore scratchy woolen jerseys. I am so glad to have been friends with Eddie Mundy and to have been able to experience those glorious days through his presence.