EVERYONE PLEASE READ

[Rob]

i went over to see john Ibbo this morning, my coach and friend, and found him passed away beside his computer.

the medics did all they can, but nothing happened.

if anyones got any emails that they want send onto the family please send them via me and ill ensure they arrive

rob@corsabicycle.com


Rob Fallon

[Maria David]

I am really shocked and sorry to hear about this - and to someone so young.

I only saw John a couple of weeks ago at the Surrey League races held at the MOD Chertsey. He looked happy and was enthusiastically supporting the riders and giving tips to the Fit-For guys.

I didn't really know him but I'd heard a lot about him - he was a good rider who put alot back into cycle sport - helping out at the beginner races, coaching, and organising a road race too.
He is a real loss to the cycle community.

Please send my sincere condolences to his family.

I am also sorry to hear about your experience, Rob and hope you are ok.

All the Best,

Maria

[Bella Comerford]

I have just heard this very very sad news. I am absolutely shocked.

I got to know John quite well over the past 3 months. He is such a great guy. So full of energy, inspiration, so friendly and fun.

He will be really missed by so many people. His family. And everyone that knew him.

I will miss him.

Bella

[Ian A4size]

Just stunned.
condolences to his family, to his teammates and also to you.

[the muur]

This has shocked and saddened me, I knew Johon from his days in Belgium. I really don't know what to say other than what a terrible, terrible loss.

i will certainly miss his quirky emails. This id terrible news.

Glenn

[Rob]

me and sam are in contact with each other, and i will continue to forward your comments


thanks
rob

[Stephen Bayliss]

I am shocked and saddened.

John was a great guy.

I met John at my first ever bike race at Crystal Palace, since then we have been good friends.
He was a great friend to me and many others, he was always on hand to help whether it be with a chat, a loan of some equipment, some training advice or whatever. He always had time for you.

Whenever John was on a training ride, the ride was a fun one, the emphasis was always on having fun whilst we still trained hard we probably laughed even harder.

John was an inspirational guy, he would inspire you to think big - usually over a cup of tea - and often in his Mum's kitchen and more recently his own kitchen where you always felt welcome in both.

What I will remember most about John is his positivness and his sense of humour.

He will be truly missed by many.

My thougths are with Sam, Sue and all his Family.

[DavidKennett]

I?m very shocked and saddened to hear this news.

I first got to chat with John at the start of the year when I joined Fit-For, an easy decision when he?s so enthusiast for the sport, motivated and positive.

Over the following months we spent a fair few hours riding the lanes of Surrey and working on coaching plans, often including sessions you?d hate, but knew you?d have to do to improve.

Thanks for the successful season.

He?ll be sadly missed.

My condolences to Johns family and friends.

[Mike Runner]

I am so so sorry.
I almost cannot believe this and am hoping that it is some sad practical joke.
How can someone so young and fit and positive die just like that?
Were you the one who found him, Rob? If so, that must have been awful.

I went on a few training rides that John was involved with a couple of years ago and what impressed me so much about the guy was his utter selflesness.

99% of people who had been a pro and raced with some of the best cyclists in the world would have had a chip on their shoulders .
Not John.

I remember him nursing an overweight club rider (not even a racer) through a long hard 80m winter ride in sub zero temps when everyone else had zoomed off trying to show off how fast they were. He (and I and Steve) stayed behind and helped this guy through. His words of encouragement I still remember. I remember thinking how amazing for a guy of his ability to do that.

What a guy!!

[richv]

I didn't know John well but had done a few long winter rides with him over the last couple of years. He had time for everybody and there was none of the arrogance you might expect from someone who had been as successful as he was.

He was always the one who made sure that everyone made it to the top of the hills and never grumbled about some of the amateurs (myself included) who often slowed the rides down. He was full of encouragement for others and always knew where to find the best cake.

It's shocking news and my heart goes out to Sam, his family and friends.

[Chris&Lisa]

What a complete shock.

We only met John on a few occations. He was a very likeable guy with great enthusiasm.

Judging by the amount of great things that have been said already here, and begining on London Cylcle Sport, he will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

[David Lombari]

I'd met John a few times prior to this year but got to know him, and Sam, on the Fit For weekend in Arundel. John was very supportive and a great bloke to chat to and, as someone has previously said, would take it easy if it meant helping someone less fit than him.

I also admired his outlook on life, with a passion for tea & cake and taking life easy. I'd often feel ashamed when driving to Fannys in the freezing cold and meeting him having a tea break before getting back to his training ride.

A fine cyclist, a fine man. Ciao amico.

[Dan B]

John was a great friend. Whether I was fit, fat, balls-out or blown, he was there with a good word, guaranteed to make you laugh. I can't say enough. I'll miss him a lot.

I am extremely sad for Sam. I know she's been reading the forums: Sarah and I feel blessed that we've been able to meet and get to know her and to witness two extraordinary people so much in love.

His mum and his sister, who we've met briefly, are also in our thoughts.

Dan Benson

[Toks]

When I joined Addiscombe nearly three years ago I got to hear about this pro racer who sometimes came out on club runs. My impression back then was that this guy was someone everyone really respected and, more importantly, genuinely liked...Well it wasn't till the beginning of this year that I was fortunate enough to finally meet the man in question - John Ibbotson. I went on a 'fit-for' ride with Phil S, Dave K, Brett, Steve Cave, Steve Bayliss, Rob and others.

I've got to be honest I expected an eye balls out, heads down, don't say a word, ride to you drop session. Well it was nothing like that, it was a very enjoyable social 100 mile ride. I particularly remember John saying 'Hello' at the beginning and really making an effort to make myself and other new comers feel part of the group. Later during the ride I spoke to him for about 10-15 minutes and again I was really struck by his cool, amiable and unassuming personality. There was lots of great banter on that ride mostly from John; but there was no aloofness or ego that would definitely describe some other ex pro's or elite riders. Indeed John showed genuine concern for riders who were off the pace or who had mechanicals (usually he waited for them alone). I hadn't spoke to him since then and yesterdays news posted by Rob was a complete shock.

I spoke to Phil S who was coached by John this year and he is equally numbed by the John's death. We spoke about John's unselfishness and his ability to motivate people and what a great all round guy he was. As well as the loss to family and friends, he'll be a great loss to British Cyling. My sincere condolences go out to those closest to John. May you rest in peace John!

ps Rob, take care mate!

[peter munden]

Rob,

Do send my condolences to his family. I only heard about him from you but he sounded like a great guy.

Pete