THE cream of British cycling converged on the pretty church of St Mary's Priory in Old Malton yesterday to pay their tributes and final respects to Peter Longbottom, one of Yorkshire's greatest-ever cyclists.

As the emotional service began with a stirring version of the hymn The Lord's My Shepherd, there was no standing room - let alone pews - left. The congregation, some dressed in their cycling clothes despite the bitterly cold weather, were determined to give their friend and hero a rousing send-off.

But when the Rev John Manchester, the vicar of St Mary's, embarked on his thoughtful, loving address about Peter Longbottom's life and achievements, there was scarcely a dry eye in church. The congregation was left to ponder the waste of such a brilliant sportsman, cut down in that tragic road accident at Grimston Bar on the outskirts of York earlier this month.

It was, perhaps, fitting - if ironic -- that 38-year-old Peter Longbottom died as he lived most of his life, on his cycle. And it was appropriate that, for yesterday at least, St Mary's churchyard resembled a cycling park - with bikes strewn everywhere.

The theme of cycling was everywhere too. The main floral tribute depicted a racing bike, while Peter's Olympic hat from Barcelona 1992 was placed on top of his flower-strewn coffin. Mr Manchester emphasised Peter's commitment to his sport by paying tribute to "an outstanding sportsman who reached the very highest echelon of his chosen sport."

Yesterday that sport thanked him. Although Peter's friend and colleague Chris Boardman could not be present, legends such as Tour de France ace Barry Hoban and Charlie Burton, the widower of Beryl Burton, came to pay their final respects. It was less than two years ago that Charlie lost his wife in a cycling accident - and he was only too well aware of this awful symmetry.

The most piercing grief, however, was felt by Peter Longbottom's close-knit family from York. Peter's father and best friend David, himself an excellent cyclist, looked tired and gaunt, while widow Lyn bravely contained her emotions in the most difficult of circumstances.

Peter Longbottom's brother-in-law Jeff Williams, a tough, highly successful racing cyclist, wiped away the tears as he left the church at the end with his distraught wife Kathryn and little son Daniel - Peter's nephew - who was also his greatest fan.

Abide With Me and Cwm Rhondda completed the hymns and the coffin left the church to the melancholy strains of the Nunc Dimittis en route for York Cemetery. Friends and colleagues were then asked back to the Ashcroft Hotel in Bishopthorpe Road for refreshments.

Peter Longbottom's funeral was both a bleak and an uplifting occasion, as tributes were paid and memories shared. A great York cyclist, an Olympian, a double Commonwealth Games medallist, a winner of countless awards and a magnificent ambassador for York, he will be badly missed.

Yesterday's moving, emotionally-charged service was a fitting send-off to a brave and much-loved and respected man. No-one who was there will ever forget it.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.