Craig Hardie

Words by Davie Graham, Photo by Michael Martin

I’ve been trying to remember the first time I met Craig and I’m realising that there is no one time that springs out, he was always there at the Scottish Cyclocross races. My Cyclocross journey has always had Craig in it, from my first race at Auchentoshan to my last race at Knockburn, Craig was there with his infectious smile, approachability and fantastic bike handling skills.

Craig was a multiple Scottish Cyclocross champion, series winner and even Santa Cross World Champ, he was a prolific grass track racer with many Scottish Championship wins and also Scottish Champion on the Mountainbike. All these wins were achieved through grit and determination and above all else fairly, as someone else said, they saw Craig held up by a back marker so he just pulled a wheelie till he got past.

He wasn’t just a racer though, he also was a founding member of the Scottish Cyclocross Association and a Committee member for ten years. His valued input was based on his vast experience of racing over the years and was always appreciated. He had stints as a mechanic with both professional cycling teams and also the National team and was held in such high regard that people would travel across the country for bike fits and servicing at his bike shop. Craig encouraged youth cycling and helped a few of his local riders in their ambitions, supporting Joe Nally to become British Champion.

Craig retired from Cyclocross for a couple of seasons but he would still turn up to support events and his “red is faster” riders and it was always eagerly awaited who the Mystic Marigold would pick out as a potential winner. He helped set up the Fife Speedway and raced prolifically for them helping them to achieve some great results.

My thoughts are with Lynn, Lois and the rest of the family at this time and I’ll be raising my front wheel on Wednesday as a tribute to one of Scottish Cyclocross’ Legends taken too soon.

#wheeliewednesday