LATE cycle star Craig Hardie was afforded one final ride as his family and friends said an emotional farewell last Friday.

Craig, a former national champion across various disciplines within the sport, passed away at Victoria Hospital on February 3, whilst holding the hands of his wife, Lynn, and daughter, Lois, after a five-month battle with cancer.

The funeral of the brave Dunfermline Cycling Club stalwart, who was also a founding member of the Fife Revolutions cycle speedway club, was held at Dunfermline Crematorium.

Prior to the service, a number of Craig's friends pedalled behind his coffin, which was carried for the final part of his journey, from just before Masterton Primary School, between two bicycles, which his family had described as a cycle hearse.

Those who wished to pay their respects had been asked to line the route, which began in Dalgety Bay, where Craig was originally from,whilst maintaining a social distance.

Posting after the funeral service, Lynn and Lois said that Craig had asked them to "celebrate" his life, and that they would be exploring avenues to support cycling, the arts and cancer research in his memory.

Currently, an online fundraising page supporting research into pancreatic cancer, set up by Lynn and Lois, has received donations in excess of £6,000, and a post by Lois read: "Pancreatic Cancer has almost no noticeable symptoms and due to this it is almost impossible to catch before it has spread.

"Dad was the fittest and healthiest man I have ever met - this disease does not have prejudice and can effect anyone.

"In Dad's memory we want to help support the crucial research needed to prevent this disease effecting other families like it has ours."

On Saturday, the day after Craig's funeral, the family added: "We both would like to thank everyone involved in the celebration of Craig's life yesterday.

"Craig asked us to celebrate his life and we feel we achieved this and more yesterday.

"You will still hear from us from time to time in Craig's memory. He shared ideas with us how he would like to support cycling, the arts and vital cancer research/awareness, and we will look to take this forward in the future."

Craig, who together with his dad, Bill, ran Hardie Bikes in Cairneyhill, was a two-time winner of the Scottish Mountain Bike Championship, a multiple Scottish Cyclocross champion and a prolific grass track racer with many national winners.

Well-known on the Highland Games circuit, he was also a founder member of the Scottish Cyclocross Association, and a medal-winner in MTB cross country, MTB downill and BMX events.

News of his passing prompted an outpouring of support from the cycling community, with former Olympic and Commonwealth Games competitor, Brian Smith, writing on social media: "Today the world of cycling celebrated the life of a special person.

"At the front of the pack where he belonged. A sad day but a beautiful tribute to a true champ! We will all miss you wee man!"

Another former Commonwealth Games star, 2010 silver medallist Charline Jones, said that Craig was "just such an amazing person" who "was always full of energy and positivity".

"He did have a big impact in my cycling career and life because, as a high-performing female cyclist, you need so much support," she added.

"At the time, the teams weren't paid for and you didn't have your own mechanic. You had your local bike shop and Craig really provided me with some last-minute, saving the days before going to international races!

"You could really feel the support and he was always wanting you to do well."

Rab Wardell, originally from Dunfermline and who, last year, set a new record for pedalling the West Highland Way, said Craig was "a great showman and was always prepared to promote his sport and entertain spectators", whilst Dunfermline Cycling Club described him as "one of the stalwarts of the club and wider cycling community", whose "character and boundless energy is a huge loss to us all".

Craig Masson, head coach of the Fife Revolutions, added that he was "a huge support to me and the youngsters in the team", and that they would look to "race the way he always raced and enjoy ourselves on the track the way he did" when they return to action.

A fundraising page, set up by the family in Craig's memory, in aid of pancreatic cancer research has already raised more than £7,000.

If you would like to donate to the family's fundraising page, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/redisfaster.