ON DUTY: The late Gordon Sharrock (left) steadies Kiwi cyclist Tony Graham at the 1988 Seoul Olympics while coach Ron Cheatley issues race instructions.PHOTO/FILE
ON DUTY: The late Gordon Sharrock (left) steadies Kiwi cyclist Tony Graham at the 1988 Seoul Olympics while coach Ron Cheatley issues race instructions.PHOTO/FILE
Wanganui and the New Zealand cycling fraternity have lost one of their favourite sons with the passing of Gordon William Robert Sharrock, OBE.
Sharrock, who died on Sunday one day shy of his 82nd birthday, gave countless years to his chosen sport. He was a past president of the nationalcycling body and one of three Wanganui stalwarts to be awarded life membership to Bike New Zealand along with Bill Main and Ron Cheatley.
He was starter for cycling at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch and managed many New Zealand teams on the national and international stage over many years.
Sharrock was made an OBE for his services to cycling. He is also a recipient of New Zealand's highest cycling honour, the Malayan Cup. The cup has been presented since 1959 in recognition of outstanding service to the sport.
Although his major involvement in the sport was through an administrative or managerial role, Ron Cheatley recalled he was a "pretty capable cyclist".
"Gordon was a pretty handy cyclist himself, particularly in the 1950s. He was president of Cycling New Zealand for many years and was still patron when he passed away. Gordon officiated at two Olympics, including Seoul in Korea, and three Commonwealth Games," Cheatley said yesterday.
A more in-depth obituary is planned by the Chronicle at a later date.
