TRIBUTES have been paid to a stalwart of Fife's cycling community after it was announced he has passed away.

Sandy Wallace, who for more than 30 years ran a bike shop in Inverkeithing, died yesterday morning (Sunday) following a short illness.

Dunfermline Cycling Club were amongst those to pay their respects to Sandy, whom they noted "competed in many disciplines of the sport to an extremely high level", and had help produce "many top riders".

Posting on Facebook yesterday, they said: "It is with great sadness that following a short illness which he fought with great courage Sandy Wallace passed away this morning.

"Sandy has been part of Fife Cycling from the age of 13 and over the years has competed in many disciplines of the sport to an extremely high level. For over 30 yrs he ran Sandy Wallace Cycles his bike shop in Inverkeithing and he had a cycling team of the same name which produced many top riders.

"A stalwart of Fife cycling and Scottish cycling he will be sadly missed and we as a club pass on our condolences to his family."

A post on the Facebook page of the Press Room, a prominent cycling website, from Mhairi Laffoley said: "It is with great sadness that I have to let you know that following a short illness which he fought with great courage Sandy Wallace passed away this morning.

"Sandy has been part of Fife Cycling from the age of 13 and over the years has competed in many disciplines of the sport to an extremely high level. For over 30 yrs he ran Sandy Wallace Cycles his bike shop in Inverkeithing and he had a cycling team of the same name which produced many world class cyclists. "Our thoughts are with John and the family at this sad time."

The sport's governing body, Scottish Cycling, said on Twitter: "It is with great sadness that over the weekend we lost a great man in Sandy Wallace.

"He leaves behind a great legacy, having raced at the highest level for decades, before generously supporting and nurturing the next generation.

"Our thoughts are with Sandy's family & friends."

In addition to running his business in Inverkeithing, Sandy was a renowned cyclist in his own right, and helped harness the talents of others through the team he set up, Sandy Wallace Cycles.

Former Commonwealth Games star, Rab Wardell, last year set a new record time for completing the West Highland Way on two wheels, and began his cycling journey with Sandy.

On Twitter, he posted: "The news of Sandy Wallace's passing is incredibly sad.

"Sandy Wallace Cycles was my first club, and Sandy was my first sponsor. I have great memories of the times we shared, and without his inspiration, generosity, encouragement and support I wouldn't be where I am today."

We will have more on this story in Thursday's Press.