TRIBUTES have poured in for a Taunton man dubbed a “true cycling legend” who has passed away at the age of 87.

Peter Sandy, president of the Somerset Road Club, a “dwindling” cycling group he revived 40 years ago, passed away on June 13.

Ray Pollard, fellow cyclist, said: “In the mid eighties the number of SRC members had dwindled to fewer than a dozen, and it was thanks to Peter that he preserved with the sole running of the club for several years, building up the numbers of members, formed a committee who among other things created the club website, held a successful 75th club anniversary dinner and obtained a cycle shop sponsor.

“Peter was always Mr Somerset Road Club and the club that exists today is all down to Peter keeping it alive nearly 40 years ago.”

Pat Sandy, Peter’s wife, said: “Peter was a Tauntonian born and bred and a long term member and president of the Somerset Road Club until the day he died.

“He cycled almost daily, he carefully controlled the pace in the later years, always at a bespoke speed.

“His rides often included a hill known as 13 bends, but this was followed by a ‘choc away’ call for a coffee break at North Curry Community Cafe.

“In Peter’s later life, and as a less energetic activity but still with his usual enthusiasm, Peter very much enjoyed and took great pride in his gardening as can be seen by all at the front of his house.”

At the age of 20, Mr Sandy served his mandatory two years national service in the Royal Air Force, before returning to civilian life working at the Van Heusen Shirt Factory, followed by a position in sales with the South Western Electricity Board.

He turned to surfing as an outdoor sport for this phase of his life, which took him and his family all over Europe in search of the perfect wave.

As a keen racing cyclist, Mr Sandy enjoyed a number of successes, including winning the South West division championship three times and the veterans’ championship.

Mr Pollard added: “Peter was a very successful road racer in the south west and beyond.

“During the 10 years between 1977 and 1987 he was placed in the first six finishers in nearly 100 races, with numerous podiums and first places to his credit.

“As has been said many times by those people who had the pleasure of meeting Peter and riding with him, he was a true cycling legend, a sad loss to the sport.

“Peter was an inspiration to so many riders through out the years, young and old, he will be sadly missed for his enthusiasm for cycling and the many past racing stories that he told at our cafe stops.”

Mr Sandy’s funeral saw a large group of cyclists ride from his home in Galmington, as a tribute to his love of the sport, to Taunton Crematorium, where around 200 people attended to say their goodbyes.