Scottish cycling stalwart Gerry McDaid dies

International cycling commissaire, former British Cycling board member and former Scottish Cycling president Gerry McDaid has died.

McDaid was a well-known figure in British and international cycle sport, and was one of the original 50 influential figures inducted into British Cycling's Hall of Fame in 2009.

The Glaswegian was a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) commissaire in numerous races all over the world, and was a pioneering UCI anti-doping inspector at events that included the Tour de France.

McDaid served as president of Scottish Cycling between 1992 and 1996, at a time when the country was producing riders such as Chris Hoy and Craig MacLean.

British Cycling president Bob Howden paid tribute to McDaid, saying: "Everyone at British Cycling is extremely saddened to hear of Gerry’s passing. A member of British Cycling’s Hall of Fame, he was a key figure within the sport in this country and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his tireless work as an international commissaire, board member and president of Scottish Cycling.

"Gerry never failed to leave an impression with his combination of forensic knowledge of the sport and his sharpened wit, leaving many of us with our own ‘Gerry stories’. For many years he was a stalwart of National Council as a delegate for the Scottish Cycling Union, as Scottish Cycling was latterly known".

Current Scottish Cycling president Alasdair MacLennan also paid tribute to McDaid: "Scottish Cycling has a lot to thank Gerry for; when somebody needed help he was never far behind to offer a hand.

"He was not only one of the world’s top Commissaires, but also spent time on the board of British Cycling, the UCI Management committee and of course had the role of Scottish Cycling president. He helped the sport at all levels and did it with a smile every time. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

UCI president Brian Cookson said: "So sad to hear about the passing of Scot Gerry McDaid, a man who, as a brilliant UCI commissaire and instructor, taught us so much. RIP".

McDaid's funeral will take place at 10am on Wednesday November 30, at St Aidan's RC Church, Tower Road, Johnstone, Renfrewshire, Scotland.