BREAKING NEWS: Cyclists pay final respects to Don Lock

The band of mourners, mostly made up of members of Mr Lock’s own cycling club, Worthing Excelsior, set off on their solemn procession from Broadwater Green, in Broadwater, to Worthing Crematorium.

Well-wishers lined the streets to cheer on the cyclists as they set off on the tribute ride just minutes ago.

Mr Lock was killed on July 16, when he was stabbed following an alleged road-rage incident on the A24 in Findon.

Paul West, 55, travelled all the way from Manchester to join the procession. He was introduced to cycling by Don in 1973 when he lived in Steyning.

Mr West said he had been in a state of shock and disbelief when he heard the news. Speaking of today’s gathering, he added: “It recognises what a good guy he was and how appreciated he was as a person as well as a cyclist.”

Since his death, hundreds of people have taken to social media to pay their respects to a ‘much-loved’ and ‘irreplaceable’ 79-year-old.

The great-grandfather belonged to Worthing Excelsior for more than 50 years and holds the club record for a 24 hour time trial – having ridden 428.54 miles.

A statement issued by the club yesterday evening said: “Just four weeks on, Don’s loss is felt as strongly as ever, as the club struggles to come to terms with what has happened.

“Don had touched upon so many lives and in such a positive way. There has been a huge outpouring of support and sympathy from within the cycling community and beyond.

“His death is an irreplaceable loss to the club and to those who know him. Our thoughts are with the family and the club continues to provide whatever support it can at this difficult time.”

Other cycling clubs to have joined in today’s commemoration to Mr Lock include the members of the Sussex Nomads, Eastbourne Rovers, and Lewes Wanderers.

The impact of Don’s untimely death has been felt far and wide. Sir David Brailsford, general manager of Team Sky, sent flowers to Don’s family in the team’s colours, as a mark of respect; and fans at Brighton & Hove Albion’s opening game of the season broke out in a round of applause in the 79th minute, in tribute to Don.

More updates to follow.

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