RIP John Rawnsley. Organiser of the Three Peaks Cyclocross

We’ve just heard, along with many, many other cyclocross fans from the official Three Peaks Cyclocross social accounts that John Rawnsley, the creator and organiser of the Three Peaks Cyclocross Race passed away on Christmas Day.

John Rawnsley, Three Peaks Organiser and general cycling legend.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that there aren’t any other race organisers that have the pedigree that John had. John Rawnsley, barely out of school, organised the first race, back in 1961. He won that first race and went on to compete in 45 races in all, while organising the first 50 events. Eventually he handed over the reins to Mark Richmond and his team, confident that they would continue the legacy that he started.

Despite putting riders through this every year, they still came back.

John Rawnsley was still on hand to give advice and was still the person who vetted the not-at-all-random lottery of riders eager to enter this legendary race and he would be seen regularly at many other events around the north during cyclocross season. Many riders have stories about John – whether it was sage advice, race organising guidance, or just a trackside chat with a softly spoken, considered gentleman with a lifelong love of cycle sport.

John managed the growth of the event, from a ‘You had to know someone’ collection of ultra keen cyclocross pioneers in the sixties, seventies and eighties, into the smallest-feeling, biggest cyclocross race in the UK. It’s hard to balance having an internationally renowned event with a waiting list for entries (even back in the nineties) and still have it feel like a village fete. Had the race originated in America, there’d be Jeep logos and energy drinks everywhere, with merchandise stalls and VIP cordons. Instead, there’s always just been a pub and some burgers – and a vicious race course. And that’s why it’s entered the realms of cycling lore.

The most welcome village fete sign in cycling

Again, it’s no boast to say that we’re unlikely to see his like again. Competitor, race organiser, master planner. If you think you’re in the running, get in touch after you’ve just completed the 45th running of your own race… It’s just not going to happen. A true legend has left us.

Here’s the post from the 3Peakscyclocross Instagram. RIP John, your gentle calm will be missed at cyclocross races everywhere.

View this post on Instagram

We are greatly saddened to announce the passing of John Rawnsley, founder, winner of the first edition, and organiser of the 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross, on Christmas Day. John organised fifty 3 peaks races and rode forty-five himself, before handing over to the present organising committee in 2013, aged 75. He remained deeply involved with the race even to this year, despite fighting cancer for the past few months. The family have requested no personal contact at this present time, other than cards of condolence. We will share funeral arrangements as soon as they are available. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Brigitte and family.

A post shared by 3 Peaks Cyclocross (@3peakscx) on Dec 27, 2019 at 10:18am PST