A long time friend and a very talented cyclist. You will be sadly missed.

Article Courtesy of CyclingUlster:

The members of North Down Cycling Club, and indeed all clubs from around the province, were deeply saddened this week by the tragic death of one of its hardest working, inspirational and pivotal members, Brian Marshall. This active fifty-year old was enjoying a cycle on Monday evening when he was involved in an accident with a vehicle on the Windmill Road near Donaghadee.

Brian was a consummate gentleman, known to most in Bangor as the proprietor of G. P. Marshall’s in Abbey Street. Along with his wife, Vera he ran not only a bike shop but a drop-in centre for local cyclists. Here day and daily Brian could be found, immaculately dressed in a pristine white shirt and tie, working on bikes, giving advice and generally working as an unpaid ambassador for cycling.

Brian’s philanthropic nature was evident for all to see. For example, he provided many of the prizes at last Thursday night’s School’s Skills Challenge in Valentine’s. However, not content with providing this necessary service, Brian came straight from work to the event and spent the rest of the evening barbequing so that everyone, not least the kids, could have a thoroughly enjoyable time.

Similarly Brian has spent countless hours organising this weekend’s 100k Coastal Challenge. This is now the biggest event of its kind in the country and it has been Vera’s wish that the event should continue on Saturday in honour of Brian and in recognition of the sport that he loved.

For years Brian has been not only an active cyclist himself, winning many club and open events, but an effective, diligent and hard working committee member of North Down Cycling Club. He had a vast experience of the local game and was always very willing to pass on his expertise to those less accomplished.

The officers and member of North Down Cycling Club wish to pass on to Vera, Philip and Gemma their heart-felt condolences. It is expected that there will be a huge turn out of members at the funeral in Conlig on Friday morning.

Brian was held in such high esteem by cyclists throughout the country that a number of clubs including Ards CC, Phoenix CC and the Cycling Ulster Track Committee cancelled all their local events tonight as a mark of respect.

He will be sorely missed by the local cycling fraternity.

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