Larry Hickmott: a constant presence in British cycle racing

It is with real sadness that we learned of the passing of Larry Hickmott today.

For many years, Larry was a constant presence in British domestic cycle racing and, for a long stretch, its principal chronicler. Through VeloUK, he documented the sport with extraordinary persistence and breadth. At a time when almost no one else was covering the domestic scene in anything like the same depth, Larry was there – week after week, in all weathers, travelling the country, photographing races, gathering results, speaking to riders and organisers, and making sure the story of the race was told.

Larry founded VeloUK in 2011 after leaving British Cycling, and in doing so helped carve out a dedicated space for the domestic scene at a time when very few others were covering it in comparable depth. Through that work, he helped demonstrate that British domestic racing was worthy of sustained attention on its own terms.

For many years, VeloUK was the place of record for British domestic racing. Riders, teams, organisers and supporters relied on it. If you wanted to know what had happened at a race — not just the biggest events, but the smaller regional races that could otherwise pass with little wider notice – there was every chance you would end up on VeloUK. Larry built strong relationships with organisers across the country, and through that work helped ensure that a huge amount of racing was recorded and made visible.

He created a vast archive of photographs, reports and interviews that now stands as an important record of the sport across generations. Countless riders will have first found themselves featured in his galleries as juniors or young seniors, their early steps in the sport captured and preserved. Through his photography and reporting, Larry documented not only results, but the moments that make domestic racing what it is.

He was also a distinctive and familiar figure at the roadside, instantly recognisable in his wide-brimmed hat, camera in hand. For many within the scene, his presence felt permanent – part of the fabric of British racing itself.

Much of what Larry built, he built single-handedly. In a sport that has so often depended on the commitment of individuals willing to give their time, energy and care, that matters. British domestic racing was better covered, better documented and better remembered because of the work he did over many years. Few have done more to give the scene visibility in all its breadth.

That is a significant legacy to leave behind.

Our thoughts are with Larry’s family, friends, and all those across the cycling community who knew him and loved him.