Sharon Laws dies, aged 43, after being diagnosed with cancer
Former British national champion and Team GB rider Sharon Laws dies after treatment for cervical cancer
Sharon Laws died on Saturday, December 16, at the age of 43. The former Team GB rider and British national champion announced that she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in October 2016 and has been receiving treatment over the past year.
Voxwomen's Twitter account issued a brief statement on Laws's death on Saturday.
"This morning the cycling world lost a champion, a friend, a rider with a huge smile and a fantastic laugh. Sharon Laws passed away early this morning after her fight with cancer.
"Her mum Joy and her family have asked for privacy at this time. RIP Sharon Laws 1974 - 2017."
Laws was British road race champion in 2012 and national time trial champion in 2008, having switched to road disciplines from mountain biking.
She represented Great Britain in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, riding the women's road race in support of Nicole Cooke who went on to claim the gold medal.
Laws rode for several international teams in a road career spanning from 2008 to 2016, including Garmin-Cervélo, Lotto-Belisol, UnitedHealthcare and Bigla.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Laws discovered she had cervical cancer after having some lumps in her neck examined. While having chemotherapy, Laws continued to ride when she could and also commentated on television coverage of the 2017 Road World Championships.
Tributes have been paid to Laws from across the cycling community.
Nicole Cooke said: "So sad to hear Sharon Laws passed away today. Such a wonderful person, an inspiration on and off the bike and a great friend. She will be greatly missed."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
The Oura ring reviewed: is this wellness tracker helpful to cyclists?
With its focus on recovery and wellness, the Oura ring offers unique insights but is it worth the investment over other wearables?
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Shimano RC703 road shoe review: sleek, stiff and robust
Shimano's second-tier offering combines a rigid carbon sole with handy Boa dials and protective toe caps
By Sam Gupta Published