Reading Cycling Club

Anthony Maynard, son of Dave Maynard, who many in the club knew well, and counted as a good friend, lost his life in a road traffic accident while out cycling on Thursday July 3rd. David Ivory, who was the only other rider with Anthony at the time, also sustained serious injuries and is in the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

The club would like to express its deepest sympathy and condolences to Anthony's family, as they come to terms with this appalling news. Our thoughts are also with David Ivory and his family.

Roy Booth has expressed eloquently what I think we will all be feeling today:

"I have been with RCC since the late 1980's; this is the worst thing that has happened in the club in that time. Everyone who knew and rode with either Anthony or his father could only hold both of them in the deepest affection. Always good humoured, always acting in their characteristic way, a father and son with such deeply harmonious interests, formidable performers on the bike and the nicest, most principled men off it. Those members of the club committee that have heard this dreadful news have all reacted with the uttermost shock and dismay, as will the club membership at large. We have all lost a friend.

All our thoughts will be with Dave, with Anthony's mother, and the rest of the Maynard family, at this awful time, and we will never forget in the future. "

Some thoughts and memories from other club members:

Barely believable.Simply one of the nicest chaps you could meet on a bike.

I haven't been riding that long compared to most in RCC but two of the first people I latched onto on Sundays were Maynard Snr and Anton (as Nick so affectionately calls him). As Anthony looked one of the nearest my age this was perhaps inevitable. His maturity and general manner belied his tender age, which must have been only 20 when I started out! I was truly shocked when I found out, during him informing me that I had desperately inadequate gearing for the Gran Fondo, that he was so young.

In an age when young people are so often quite rightly vilified Anthony was already a real gentleman and my heart goes out to his family. I could not bear to think how my parents would take the news. A tragedy for us as a club but nothing compared to the Maynards of course.

"There Is A Light That Never Goes Out"

Anton, missed already, never forgotten.

Mark Lyford

I sat down for ages trying to think of something appropriate to
write, about such a fine young man. He was a credit to everyone
involved. In the end I just want to say, thank you Anthony for having
been in my life, it is an honour to have known you.

Peter Graham

I will find it hard to come to terms with the knowledge that Anthony won’t be turning up on Sunday mornings in eagerness for the simple pleasure of riding his bike with the rest of us.

Darren Parker

Just read my e-mails.

I cannot believe this.

That could have been any of us last night as we got split up rather randomly on the way out of Reading.

I have just cried and don't mind admitting it.

Richard Pike

Unfortunately for me I see my share of dead bodies, but it is always tragic and felt deeply when it is someone you know and felt even more when it's a cyclist colleague and friend. I'm sure our/my condolences will be passed onto the Maynard family both in representation and personally. I'm so shocked that I don't even know what to write. But as a cyclist of 25 years and as a son one does feel a closeness to the tragedy being felt so deeply by the Maynard family.

Ranjit Bahra

I was with the group for the first part of the ride last night, and it's still hard to believe how it ended.

I simply knew Anthony as a great club-mate, an extremely strong and talented rider, who seemed to love many forms of cycling. He could obviously have had a lot of success in racing, but instead got his satisfaction from the sport in other ways. Anthony was someone you'd always be glad to find next to you in the bunch on a clubrun, or at Palmer Park on a winter evening: Good-humoured, and an easy person to chat with. While I will miss him in my own small way, I cannot imagine how Dave and the rest of his family are feeling.

RIP, Anthony.

Trevor Warwick

As messages of shock and regret come in, I have been thinking about
Anthony and what he meant to the club, and how we will miss what had
been a perpetual presence (and beyond the club's activities, Anthony
did so much other riding. A side-to-side ride along the line of
Hadrian's Wall, with a stop over at Mark Pardoe's new place, and a
ride in the Alps with Arthur Satterley were just two of the things
Anthony had coming up).

In all the years I knew him, I never saw or heard of Anthony being in
a bad mood, crossing other riders, or physically out of sorts. His
physical strength, like his father's fine ability to reappear and get
swiftly into shape, was a tribute to his vegan lifestyle. Anthony was
generous, handing on his old frames to younger riders. With his
characteristic good humour he endured all the ribbing and joshing
that, one way or other, he and his father seemed to attract from the
club. It was part of our club mythology that one or both Maynards
would invariably have a puncture, a minor mechanical mishap, or
simply go powering away off course and disappear.

I have led Anthony on many, many rides, and the countless times I
have called him back from mistaken directions his strength and
straightforward impulsiveness led him into comes back to me now as
the awful feeling that Anthony has taken the turn that cannot be
recalled. We are, for better or worse, creatures without any
prescience. I was joshing with Anthony in the usual way before last
night's ride. I had no feelings that it might not always be like
this, that while I cycled, I would not always have the regular and
always pleasant company of this fine young man.

I have said that Anthony was held in the highest affection by
everyone who knew him in the club. What I mean by that is in fact
that we loved him. He brought, with his Dad, real warmth to the club.
His happiness in what he did, his marvelous relationship with his
father, his comradely competitiveness: we will miss all these things
sadly.

Roy Booth

I'm in shock - as I expect most people will be …

Anthony, Dave and Phil Roberts were due to be visiting me in Newcastle and were going to stay over on Saturday 12th. They were doing the Coast to Coast. Hard to think that won't be happening … I was looking forward to catching up with them.

More later …

My condolences to the Maynards.

Mark Pardoe

This is absolutely tragic news that you just cannot believe is true, it really has shocked me and I feel for Dave and his family at this time. I have a son of a similar age to Anthony and it is your worst nightmare to lose a child at any age and I just cannot begin to imagine how they must be feeling at losing Anthony so suddenly in such tragic circumstances.

He was such a bright and talented lad and Dave always spoke so highly of him, he was a proud father and rightly so. I don't know what else to say as I am still so shocked by this but of the few times each year I actually can make it to RCC Club runs Anthony was one of the lads who would always ride beside me happy to do a big turn on the front and have a chat and I will miss him.

Steve Jones

Please pass on my sincere condolences to Anthony's family in these difficult times. May he rest in peace.

Also please wish Dave a speedy recovery from his injuries. I hope he gets well soon.

Just makes you realise how vulnerable we all are out there.

Graham Ide

I feel gutted. When I first joined the club the Maynards were two of the first people I became friendly with on club runs.

Steve Ferry

Meg said this before we left for Italy: “If Angus turns out anything like Anton, we’ll be really pleased”. And so we will be. Nick promptly relayed that to Anton. Anyway, I could say lots of things but I had a real soft spot for Anton I can find bad things to say about a lot of people if I try, but not Anton absolutely nothing.

Arthur Satterley

Last time I saw Anthony was I think early in the year as I've been injured and unable to ride much. We went out with the middle group. A new guy was with me struggling at the back. Anthony came back to help us close the gap up to the group and his exuberance took us powering past a turning. We didn?t see the rest of the group again till the cafe stop. I couldn?t think of anyone else I'd prefer to have been lost with, except maybe his dad who is equally kind, generous and fun to go for a ride with.

Andy Edwards

The club has lost a valued member.

I'd known Anthony for a few years through the club. Mainly through the
Sunday club runs and my overall impression of him was how calm and
effortless he appeared on a bike. He also had much strength which was a
shame he did not put more of it into racing. But it was his strength
that I will always remember after one sunday climb of Luxters Hill at
Hambleden. Not only was I sufferring on the steep climb but when he
noticed I'd dropped of the back he turned round to check I was okay
before riding back up the last bit again!

My thoughts and sympathy go out to Dave and his family at this time.

Anthony will be much missed but never forgotten.

Vive La Anton!

Dean Bond

I was so shocked by this today and I've found it hard to put how I feel into words.

Although I didn’t know Anthony as well as many I always thought of him as a very pleasant, friendly guy and he made me feel welcome when I joined the club last year which I really appreciated.

Even before I joined the club Anthony would always take the time to say hello or to chat if Ian and I happened to see him when out riding locally or on a sportive.

Anthony always came across as happy and good humoured. I smile again as I remember an amusing email exchange I had with him last year about his Dad taking my place in the tour of the Cotswolds and how Dave could use his "artistic license" and attempt to enter as a female.

A lovely guy who will be missed by all. Reading CC will be less sunny without him.

Debbie Richardson

When you are a parent of cyclists you have conflicting emotions when
your offspring go out for a ride, and I know that only too well. I
have had my share of calls, only a few weeks ago my daughter was taken
to hospital after a fall at the track.
But I dread that call that Dave got last night.
As I bet my family dread it whenever I go out too.

No-one who knew Anthony, who ever rode with him, who ever joined his
often hilarious conversations, will ever forget him.

I have some memories of conversations involving him and his dad, at
the start or end of a ride, the joshing with his dad over punctures,
getting lost or whatever had befallen him, and I always looked at them
both as an example of a father and son I hoped I could emulate with my
own family.

It was while cycling he was taken, but it was cycling that brought
them close and close to all of us too.

You might be missed Anthony, but there are a lot of people here who
will be riding along thinking of you for a long time to come

I want to offer sympathy for his family, his friends and his club
mates, who must all be hurting beyond measure right now.

Adrian Lawson

 

I am finding it difficult to accept that the last time I cycled with
Anthony was the last time I would cycle with Anthony. A great loss.

My condolences to Dave and the Maynard family.

I would also like to wish David Ivory a swift recovery.

Gary Henwood.

It is a sad truth that we tend to take each other for granted and it
is not until somebody is snatched away unexpectedly that we really
appreciate what impact they had on our lives.

I for one did not know Anthony that well, he was in a different class
in terms of cycling ability but I used to hear enthralling stories
about his exploits from others, including his dad Dave. Despite his
superior cycling ability, he was a humble young man and had time for
everyone, whatever their ability, which is a rare characteristic in
the young today.

There are occasions when someone from the fast group drops down to the
medium group and you know that you are in for a hard ride that
day. However although Anthony was one of the strongest and fittest
riders in the club, I was never worried when he dropped down to my
group because he would either spend the day pacing slower riders back
to the group or shoot off the front and get lost.

My memory of Anthony is of a friendly, humorous, good-natured young
man who bridged the gap between the younger and older generations in
the club.

He was the son that any parent would be proud of and was a credit to
Dave and his mother.

Anthony had an impact on my life and I will miss him!

God bless you Anthony and may you enjoy your next adventure!

Mike Wheat

PS As a parent I cannot comprehend the pain that Dave and his family
are suffering right now and just hope there is some comfort in the
knowledge that they are in our thoughts!

We hadn't known Anthony for long, meeting him when he chose to ride
with the medium group. He was often on his mountain bike and weighted
with pannier bag. Although we knew that he was capable of so much more,
he always rode considerately, often 'looking out' for less able
riders...surely the measure of a real clubman.

We will miss him!

Our deepest condolences go to Dave and family.

Malcolm & Susan Nichols.

I was driving back towards Henley on Thursday evening and saw the
police blocking off the road and a couple of bikes on the verge. I
hoped that nothing too bad had happened. The next morning I saw that
the worst had happened. I am bad with names and so at first I
wasn't sure which ones our very friendly fellow cyclists Anthony
and David were. Apart from reading about some reports of strong rides
and results, the only time I had heard the name was on our ride to
Harwell, when I asked who had shot off in the wrong direction. Roy
laughed and said it was Anthony Maynard and made it clear that was to
be expected and that unless he came back to get us there was no way we
could catch up with him. Of course not knowing the name I couldn't be
sure . However by the descriptions I soon realised that Anthony was
the super friendly guy who while waiting for his bike to be done up
was riding with the medium group on the mountain bike. An excellent
windbreak even for a tall guy, but much better sitting next to you
chatting. Looking to make sure I didn't mix names up I looked at an
old report of a summer of sportives:

Anthony Maynard came past on a short but steep climb, followed by the
Elite of the club

Cleeve Hill - Anthony and Nick rode it, but around me, nobody
was riding, just hobbling up.

Anthony Maynard came in after us, having been dropped from the group
on the descent of Llanberis and never having found anyone to ride with
thereafter.

Three things are clear to me:

1) On the descent, he probably slowed down to help someone out.

2) He would not have been dropped if it had been an ascent

3) An opportunity was lost to ride alongside Anthony, an opportunity
which a whole club-full of riders both new and seasoned enjoyed
enormously and will now miss.

Andrea Mica

Such tragic news. Two weeks ago we were riding to Frilford with Anthony
taking big turns at the front into the wind. We chatted at the cafe and
then headed swiftly back to Reading. I'm sure many people have these
kinds of memories and will treasure them. He will be missed by everyone
that knew him. My heartfelt condolences go to the Maynard family.

Nick Davies

As a father with young son growing up to enjoy his cycling, I looked
on Anthony Maynard and his father Dave as role models for us both.
Over the last few years I've watched Anthony learn to harness his
natural strength and talents to benefit himself but also to help
others, while riding with Dave I've seen the older man gracefully
learn to give the young man his head and let him go. Anthony's obvious
enjoyment of the simple pleasures of riding a bike made him refreshing
company at all times, and I hope this memory of him will continue to
remind me what cycling is really about.

My heartfelt condolences go out to Dave and Sue for the unimaginable
grief they have to endure.

Colin Bates

When I first read Roy's email my stomach dropped instantly.

I told Dad the news and he was deeply saddened that Anthony had lost
his life and concerned that David is in hospital injured. As a Reading
CC member who has spent many hours with them both, training
throughtout the winter, he would like to express his condolences to
the Maynard's and wishes David a speedy recovery .

Since then I have been trying to work out how and what to write to
express my feelings and emotions.

As a keen cyclist myself I have known Anthony for about many years,
but over the past few years we have taken different routes in
cycling. We both intially came to love the sport through Palmer Park
Velo, were as boys and teenages we had fun, trained and raced together
whilst our parents supported us. From PPV we both followed in our
father's footsteps and joined Reading CC, where our enjoyment of
cycling continued to grow.

Anthony was a lovely chap who always took time to talk to you and
certainly never gave up, always postive. Many youngsters who rode in
the early days of Palmer Park Velo have now given up the sport, my
brother being one of them, but I am certain they will not have
forgotten their friend Anthony and be shocked by the news he has died.

The whole devastating incident has really taken us all by
surprise. Every time we think back over the years we knew him, there
are sure to be tears. I am so sorry to hear this news.

He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Let's not forget David Ivory too and wish him a speedy recovery. I
have raced alongside him in Reading CC colours on many occasions and
my thoughts are with his wife and children as he recovers in hospital.

Neil Cooper

Although I am quite new to the group I was shocked and saddened by the
news of Anthony's untimely death and although I havn't got to know many
of the riders yet, I soon got to know Anthony and his dad and from that
time I thought what genuinely nice blokes they were and the memory of
Anthony's great personality and riding skills will always stay with me,
my thoughts are with his family.

Gary Triggs

I was horrified to hear what happened over there when I opened my
email. Hugs from Colorado to all... especially Dave Maynard. And full
recovery wishes to Dave Ivory.

All my best,

Diane Fritz

I was devastated to hear the news about Anthony Maynard and Dave Ivory.

The last time I saw Anthony was a few weeks ago whilst I was waiting in
Sonning Common for the bus in to Reading. He recognised me and gave a
cheery greeting and wave as he rode past. It's difficult to comprehend
that we won't see him again.

I also wish Dave a speedy recovery.

Colin Garnham

I learnt the terrible news late yesterday of the road accident last
Thursday evening that led to Anthony being taken away from his family
and friends at a far too early age and left Dave Ivory recovering in
hospital. As I read the condolences posted by club members, I still
can't believe it's true. Words somehow seem inadequate to
express how I feel. All I can say is how very sad I was to hear the
news and that Dave, Sue and family are very much in the thoughts of
Jackie and I. We also wish Dave Ivory a full recovery and he and his
family are very much in our thoughts too.

I first met Anthony a number of years ago. Myself, Dave Maynard, Greg
Woodford, John Hollands, Conrad Haigh and several others had been
doing some longer distance rides that led to the setting up of the
club medium ride. Anthony came out on one of these it was probably his
first club ride. I recall that we had to wait for him at the top of
the long hill out of Heckfield, as we rode back to Reading. I think it
was the only occasion that I ever had to wait at the top of a hill for
Anthony. During the years thereafter, he would routinely be seen
powering past every one up hill on the big ring, whilst the rest of us
struggled up in much lower gears. His slender frame belied the power
he was able to transmit to his bicycle. Driving that big ring was a
big heart, which Anthony applied to all aspects of his riding, whether
driving big gears in his characteristically effortless manner or
waiting for other, slower riders and pulling them back up to the rest
of the group.

He will be very much missed.

I was sorry to read of this morning's remembrance ride too late to attend.

Philip Chapple

Although I didn't know Anthony personally, through reading all of
these comments it's clear what a truly wonderful and inspiring
person he was. My thoughts are with his family and with David Ivory
and his family and wish him a swift and full recovery.

Andrew Rigg (MAR Services)

I simply cannot believe this has happened. What a catastrophic loss
for all those who knew this wonderful young man. My thoughts are with
his equally wonderful family. I cannot imagine how they are going to
get through the time ahead. I have a son of a similar age and can
relate to how unbearable this must be. A couple of years ago Anthony,
myself, Phil and Arthur went to northern France to compete in a
cyclo-sportive of some 100 miles. The day before the race we went for
an 'easy' ride. At the first sign of a climb, off he went, with
Arthur, not to be seen again by me or Phil until we returned to the
house. On mine and Phil's return to the house, he was smirking,
scratching his head in a sheepish manner, and wondering what had
happened. Of course, Anthony had done an Anthony. He just couldn't
help himself! The cyclo-sportive the following day quickly descended
into a full blown road race. Of course he finished ahead of any of
us. I got back to the car a full five minutes after him and he was
grinning from ear to ear. 'Awesome' he said. 'Let's do it again next
year'. We didn't, but right now, I really wish we had. I saw him
regularly on the river walking our respective dogs. I'll miss him
greatly. My thoughts are with his family, and everyone who is
grieving right now.

I would also like to send my thoughts out to David Ivory and his
family, in what must also be a shocking and distressing time.

If I ever do get back on my bike again, a large part of my reason for
doing so will be gone.

Jon Mulholland

I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to the family of Anthony Maynard
at the tragic loss they are enduring and of course his many friends too.
The cycling community is wide and at times far flung though at a time
like this we all think and reflect on the loss of a fellow rider that
loved the bike and life.

Patrick Kavanagh

Dear Reading CC

I am so sorry to hear this very bad news, it is the second time this
year that I have had to read such an email the other of course was
Jason McIntyre.

I would like to send my thoughts to all Anthony's family at this
devastating time and to all the Reading CC members.

God bless,

Steve Joughin (ProVision Clothing, British Professional road champion 1984-88)


I didn't know Anthony as well as others, but I'm still devastated
this could happen to a fellow club-mate.

My heart goes out to Dave and family.

Nick Babington

It is hard to come to terms with Anthony's departure. I hadn't seen him in a few months but his stature, generous nature and deft cycling bring back memories of Anthony on club runs.
My deepest sympathy to Dave and his family,

Brian Bingham

I only got back from the Etape today to hear this very sad news, all of
a sudden my personal achievement seems very insignificant compared to
the loss of life and injuries suffered.

I am also fortunate enough to have a son who is keen on cycling and so
the tragedy seems even closer.

My condolences to the Maynard family and my best wishes to Dave Ivory
for a speedy and complete recovery.

Ian Lomas

Like all of RCC I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news
about Anthony on my return and would like to pass on my sincere
condolences to his family. I hope that David Ivory is making a speedy
recovery.

Matt Pritchard

I received the awful news about Anthony by email as I boarded the
plane and like all of us was completely shocked. The comments made
about Anthony have been very touching and so true.

As always in Anthony's company you just relaxed and enjoyed the conversation.

It is a pleasure to have known him.

Mike Fenwick

We have been away on holiday for the past week so hence the delayed
response to this awful tragedy. Nick Crocker contacted me on Friday
morning and Caroline and I have been thinking of you Dave,Sue and
Theresa all week. It's difficult to add anymore to the tributes that
have come in so I will say that I regarded Anthony with great respect
and admiration for the super person that he was.

Dave, I heard you were out on the Sunday ride and I would have liked
to be there to see you.

Dave Ivory.it sounds like you are being very positive. I look forward
to seeing you again after all this time.

John Hollands

Anthony has been an integral part of RCC ever since I have been a
member. I had the pleasure of training and racing with Anthony in the
couple of seasons he tried his hand at mass start events. I vividly
recall him shepherding me around the Woodcote course, and this is how
he was on all his rides and in life - a super-domestique, strong and
selfless. On our last ride a couple weeks back he was just the
same. He pulled the group along with his usual exuberance and I joked
with him that I was looking forward to one of his spectacular running
out of gas moments. Sure enough the 25mph to 12.5mph happened and he
didn't disappoint. He was always a pleasure to ride and be with, and
he will always be an integral part of RCC.

At this time my heart and thoughts are with all those coming to terms
with the tragedy and recovering, the Maynard and Ivory families in
particular.

Stephen Bale

I am going to miss you Anton.
The tougher the ride the more you loved it

Graham Hindle

Please pass on my deepest sympathy to the Maynards. Like many, I
only knew Anthony as a really great bloke, full of everything good. I
have many snap-shot memories of Anthony and will preserve them, so he
will not be forgotten.

And to David and his family I truly hope for his full and swift
recovery.

Chris Trevallion

I saw this very sad news on the club website last night. I will, of
course, contribute to any memorial fund.

Please pass my condolences on to the family.

David Bartholomew

Thank you for the e-mail about Anthony Maynard. Please convey my
condolences to Dave. I feel anger that this is happening far too often
and it is just labelled as a "traffic accident". I live in Suffolk now
and will not be able to make the funeral, but my heartfelt sympathy is
with Anthony's family. My thoughts are with all of you who risk your
lives on the road.

Great sadness from a member of RCC that goes back to Reading Wheelers,

David Etherington

I just heard the news and am lost for words. Antony was one of the
nicest people I've ever met and I can't believe I will never get
overtaken by him again.

I've just come back from the etape, travelling on my own abroad for the
first time , in part inspired by Antony and his cycling across France
on his own.

My thoughts are with his family.

Russell Barton

Like Russell I have only just got back from France myself and am
shocked and saddened to hear of Anthony's death and David's
injuries.

I did not know either well, basically names on a membership list when
trying to rustle up helpers for an event, but none the less the shock
is real enough when someone of our own community is lost and injured
in this way.

As a parent I can only guess at the hurt Dave, Sue and Theresa must be
experiencing and my thoughts are with them in this terrible time.

Words of sympathy can seem very superficial at times such as these but
try to remember the good times and be grateful for happy memories.
Even this shall pass.

With all my very best wishes.

Barry Quick

Neither my Dad nor I knew Anthony particularly well, as our paths
only crossed occasionally on the odd club run or sportif.

However, our enduring memory of Anthony will be of a mild mannered and
extremely friendly young man, keen on his sport, and of whom any
father would rightly be proud.

Our thoughts are with Dave and his family at this tragic time.

Trevor and Chris Bradbury

We would like to send our condolences to the club for the very sad
loss of Anthony Maynard and the injury to David Ivory.

My husband Malcolm Putman who is a Central Division Comissaire and
myself know how cycling is a very close family and how it effects a
lot of people.

We wish David a speedy recovery and our thoughts are with Anthony's
family and your members.

Alison Putman, Central Division Secretary