British Cycling is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Board member Vic Hopkin.
As a proud British Cycling member for almost half a century, Vic was a true servant of our sport who played an important role both in guiding the federation and advocating for its long-term development.
His passion for the sport was stoked by his years racing with Vulcan CRC on the road and track, and he remained closely involved in the racing scene through his role as a National Road Commissaire.
It is through the administration of the sport however that Vic had the greatest impact, both as a Regional Board member for the South East, Chair of the London Alliance and member of the British Cycling Board of Directors from 2005-11. In this period he played a key role in supporting the federation’s stakeholder relations in the build-up to London 2012, and the legacy facilities programme which continues to benefit this country’s cyclists and their communities today.
British Cycling President, Bob Howden OBE, said:
“It was with great sadness that I heard of Vic’s passing, someone who has contributed so much to cycling and in such a selfless way.
“My first contact with Vic came in our qualifying together to become National Road Commissaires. I was taken then by an outwardly serious looking guy who could soon have you in fits of laughter with just a simple comment. As he became a Board Member of British Cycling in 2005, these simple comments often became valuable ice breakers which, in many cases enabled us all to maintain a sense of perspective.
“Throughout my time of knowing Vic, I came to appreciate his passion for the sport which coursed through him and for his sense of fair play. He also loved to be involved and for long after he stepped away from the Board in 2011, he continued to be supportive of our events. On key occasions over the years, I found his personal messages to be both supportive and a comfort, coming from someone who really ‘got cycling’. Rest in peace my friend.”
He will be sorely missed and the thoughts of everybody at British Cycling are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
