JOHN Bromley, a top South of England road and cyclo-cross rider of the 1960s, collapsed and died while riding his mountain bike in Surrey recently. He was 65.

Bromley was riding on Headley Heath, near Epsom. He had passed a group of walkers who a little further on found him lying at the side of the path.

Bromley was a life long member of the South Western Road Club, and a former president. He also had a brief spell with VC Sacchi. A stylish and accomplished athlete, Bromley made up for his lack of a sprint with the strength to go it alone.

During his career he notched up 12 victories, 16 second places, 17 thirds and many other top placings. He spent a season racing with success in Brittany, scoring several second places. His funeral will be at 10.15, Friday (February 29) at Randalls Park crematorium in Leatherhead, Surrey.