THE business run by late cycling champion Craig Hardie is set to close following his passing, his family have announced.

Craig, 50, passed away at Victoria Hospital last month, with his wife, Lynn, and daughter, Lois, by his side, following a five-month battle with cancer.

A stalwart of Dunfermline Cycling Club, and a founder member of the Fife Revolutions cycle speedway team, Craig competed across a variety of disciplines within the sport, claiming a number of titles in the process.

In addition to riding himself, Craig, with his father, Bill, ran Hardie Bikes in Cairneyhill, which aimed to promote cycling for both recreational and competitive purposes, offering a wide range of bikes, as well as repair services.

The business supported competitive West Fife cyclists, including Joe Nally and 2010 Commonwealth Games silver medalist Charline Jones who, in paying tribute to Craig, said: "He did have a big impact in my cycling career and life because, as a high-performing female cyclist, you need so much support.

"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."

Posting on the Hardie Bikes Facebook and Twitter pages, Lynn said: "As most of our customers may be already aware we have recently had the very sad news that Craig Hardie of Hardie Bikes has passed away following his cancer diagnosis.

"Thank you for everyone’s kindness and support over the last few weeks.

"As a result of this we now have to begin the process of closing Hardie Bikes. Craig made this difficult decision during his illness and we are acting in line with his wishes.

"The last day Hardie Bikes will be open to new business will be 27th February 2021.

"We will however remain operating for a period of time to complete current work in progress and customer bikes currently on order. We will also provide details of open days where applicable for any stock clearance. We will contact all customers who currently have orders with us directly over the next two weeks.

"We ask for everyone’s understanding and patience as we work through this at this extremely difficult time."

Originally from Dalgety Bay, Craig, who was also a founder member of the Scottish Cyclocross Association, enjoyed immense success in cycling.

A two-time winner of the Scottish Mountain Bike Championship, Craig was also a multiple Scottish Cyclocross champion, a prolific grass track racer with many national wins, a medal-winner in MTB cross country, MTB downhill and BMX events and a well-known figure, and winner, on the Highland Games circuit.

Following his devastating diagnosis in September, he underwent chemotherapy treatment, but died on February 3, with his funeral taking place on February 19.

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.