The cycling world is in mourning after the death of Roy Manser.

Mr Manser, of Charlton Lane, West Farleigh, had been a member of the San Fairy Ann Cycling Club (SFACC) for 68 years, and had been well known on the national cycling scene for decades after first coming to prominence in 1958, when he came 5th in the 25-mile National Championship.

Born in Barming, he became a blacksmith and farrier, following in the footsteps of his father William. Described by friends as “a very skilled man, who could make anything with his hands” he expanded his range and eventually founded his own civil engineering business Andian Construction - named after the two sons, Andrew and Ian, whom he had with his wife Pamela.

His younger brother David Manser said: “Cycling occupied his life ever since he was a child, but he also enjoyed anything active: he went angling, diving and skiing.”

When Roy Manser completed his national service in Cyprus, he cycled home to England

In 1989, Mr Manser set a national 10-mile tandem record partnered with Anthony Wallis at 18min 17sec. He won the Kent Cycling Association’s Best All Rounder Competition four times between 1959 and 1969 and continued to have success even as a veteran rider.

He was on SFACC “Wednesday Wobblers” ride-out on Wednesday, August 5, when he was taken ill. A friend, John Kavannagh, was in the process of giving him a lift home when Mr Manser took a turn for the worse and the ambulance was called. Medics spent 40 minutes trying to revive him but he died from heart failure by the roadside on Linton Hill. He was 81.

The president of the San Fairy Ann Club, Roland Crayford, had known Mr Manser for 59 years. He said: “He was a good pal and was loved by everbody. He was always positive and would help anybody.”

As well as riding, Mr Manser actually made racing cycles. His brother said: “He reckoned he could build a frame better than anything he could buy, so he did!”

Although he didn’t turn it into a business, he subsequently made frames for others on request, and Manser cycles have now become something of a collector’s item.

Mr Manser leaves his widow Pamela, and son Andrew who lives in Boxley.

His other son, Ian, was tragically killed while cycling, when he was hit by a car in Bristol 18 years ago.

Mr Manser’s funeral will be at Vinters Park Crematorium, Bearsted Road, Maidstone, on Monday, August 24, at 10.15am.

Family flowers only. Donations to the British Heart Foundation through Sears Funeral Directors on 01622 725035.

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