RAMIN MINOVI

A Tribute to the late Ray Minovi - ex Warwickshire Road Club website

If a list was compiled naming couples that have made the greatest contribution to the sport of cycle racing, Ray and Helen Minovi would be up towards the top.
Ray started racing for the Worcester St John's in the 50's with his first race in 1955. In 1963 he had his first major win riding the Tour of the Cotswolds and by 1964 his first race representing Great Britain in the Tour of Holland, followed by the Milk Race later that year. Since this impressive start he went on to have great success in later life too with Four National Championships, Vets National Champion five times
And Eighty-Five wins in LVRC Road races against many of the best vets in the country.
Ray had ridden with and raced against some of the greats. He shared the road with Eddie Merckx in the 1963 Manx International and shared Herne Hill track with Tom Simpson and Jacques Anquetil in 1964. Most people would have been happy to achieve just one of those!
On a Racing bike Ray was fast, focussed and extremely competitive but he wasn't just a one trick pony either, he could climb, sprint and time trial with the best achieving:
10 miles 21:09
25 miles 53:40
50 miles 01:52:59
100 miles 04:02:19
12 hours 259.914 miles
We could fill pages with his successes and he will be remembered for his often unbeatable ability, but Ray also managed to put back in as much as he had taken from the sport and that is something special!
Ray was an English teacher by trade and his skill lead him to be in much demand as an Editor and contributor for many cycling publications over the years, his biggest contributions being for the ABCC and the LVRC publications. He read a tremendous amount of articles and reports which gave him a wide breadth of knowledge in cycle racing and coaching. He also enjoyed correcting the many errata and the hopelessly misinformed in cycling weekly and the broadsheets with his dry wit which drew many laugh out loud moments when reading. His talents will be hard to replace.
Ray was one of the longest serving members of the Warwickshire Road Club and he made a large contribution. He was our club coach and more recently President.
He was a steady hand in the last few years whilst the club had lost many of their committee members including Bill Glaze, our longest serving secretary and a tremendous asset to the club over many years, Dave Butt and recently Geoff Gurney passed away. Many of the new committee members looked to Ray for guidance and he helped move us forward again which we will forever be grateful for.
He fought his illness with bravery and without complaint, the cycling world has lost a great man.

This moving personal tribute to Ray was made at his funeral by Matthew Walkley

Ramin’s approach to his sport could be summed up in one word: commitment. He had bags of natural talent – real class – but he also worked really hard at it with the objective of being the best that he could be.

And he was good.

All of us who rode with him had the experience of struggling to hang onto his back wheel in a race, whilst he wound up the pace at the front and at the same time had the energy to shout a few helpful words of encouragement. Typically something along the lines of “suffer you b&^*&^%s, suffer!!”

And we were his team mates.

Ramin was naturally gifted, but he succeeded because he hated to do anything badly and was therefore incredibly thorough in his training and preparation.

These days we might call that professionalism but Ramin remained amateur throughout his career (he never even belonged to a sponsored club) and he was an amateur in the true and best sense of the word: he competed for the love of sport.

Ramin rode clean and he won in good style. For him, there was no point winning any other way.

He was an exceptionally talented rider and although he was not the best British rider of his generation, and certainly would never have claimed to be, he always tried to compete against the best and the list of better riders is actually a very short one.

But Ramin had many talents. Cycling was just one of them and in fact you could take cycling out of his life and he would still show a good life-time’s worth of achievement any standards.

He was a scholarly learner and an able teacher. He was comic, curious, analytical and wonderfully articulate. He had wide ranging interests and when he developed an interest in something he’d really apply himself to it fully. He’d do it well. And because he was also an educator and a communicator he would always share his learning experience with others if he could.

So whether you knew Ramin as a cyclist, as teacher or coach, as a writer or just as a dear friend or relative you knew him to be athletically and intellectually talented, committed, honest, funny and never boring. And you learnt something from him.

Ramin wasn’t perfect. He wasn’t always easy to live with or to befriend. He didn’t suffer fools gladly and he could be rude as a result, especially to strangers. Sometimes he was a bit brutal with his honestly, crushing one’s dearly held opinion with an opposing one of his own, expressed a bit too directly. He could do a good feud. Ramin could be volatile and if he exploded, the results could be entertaining or disturbing, depending on your point of view. But there was no real malice in Ramin: his anger was only ever an expression of his private hurt.

Ramin’s flaws were there for all to see, but they were always forgiven. Not only because of the hugely positive and life-enhancing experience of knowing him, but also because (even if he rarely said it) he was sorry. And finally because, when it came to any matter of real importance, Ramin was totally reliable. He had an extremely strong sense of right and wrong and in all the time I knew him he always did the right thing.

Ramin knew for more than 12 months that he had an incurable illness and he accepted that without bitterness. He told me that he had enjoyed 69 years of youth, that of course he would have liked more, but that he had no complaints.

He was accepting of his fate, but not resigned to it, and this enabled him to make the most of the time that he had left. To do this, he didn’t make any radical changes to his routine: Ramin was already living his life as he wanted to live it and there were no unfulfilled ambitions that suddenly needed expediting. He just kept on riding, reading, learning and writing, and enjoying the company of Helen and friends. Perhaps his only regret was not making the trip to Canada to visit his brother: he just ran out of time.

Ramin died of cancer. But he did not ‘lose the fight against cancer’ (Ramin detested all clichés and certainly wouldn’t have liked that one) and he wasn’t defeated by it. Ramin hated doing anything badly and that applied just as much to dying as it did to living. And in keeping with that his death was brave and it was dignified.

Step-by-step cancer took away Ramin’s ability to do the things that he loved to do. But it could not take way his essential qualities. His ‘Ramin-ness’. To the end he retained his intellect, his honesty and loyalty, and he still most definitely had his sense of humour. He was still stubbornly determined.

Most importantly he could still love and be loved. In fact, with everything else stripped away those qualities shone through very strongly in his final days.

So we should not, in any way, think of his death as a defeat.

Ramin and I did our last ride together just a few months ago. It was a short ride around Earlswood, a route that Ramin and I cycled together literally hundreds of times.

On that day, I watched Ramin, 50 or so metres ahead of me on the road, pressing on the pedals, his head nodding slightly in that distinctive style, and he looked as fit, athletic, and youthful as ever. He met a slight rise, danced lightly on the pedals, and disappeared over the brow of the hill.

And that is how I’ll remember him.

Matthew Walkley

It's with dreadful sorrow to record that Ramin Minovi, the former editor of our Cycle Coaching, died in Selly Oak hospital, Birmingham, Friday, 5th September. Ray has been the cornerstone of the ABCC since he took over the magazine some 15 years ago, a publication that has earned him world-wide acclaim. As editor also of the LVRC magazine, Veteran Leaguer, his prolific writing and valuable coaching advice reached a very wide cycling audience.

It's difficult for me to put into words what I feel as Ray has been a close friend and mentor to me ever since I took on the administration for the ABCC. He did a remarkable job with the ABCC's magazine almost single-handedly. His cycling prowess is recorded well on the LVRC website and also on the Warwickshire RC's site, his club for many years. Like many of our coaches he was a good clubman, organising as well as riding, helping youngsters and others and his coaching articles are an inspiration to many. His English, naturally being an English teacher, was impeccable and he was quite adept at many other languages. He also had a good sense of humour and I shall miss him.

Jim Sampson

Although I never knew Ray in his heyday as a rider, I had the good fortune of knowing and working with him for a number of years. As chairman of the ABCC, I know all too well how the organisation relies on a relatively small number of people who have passion, commitment and dedication. Ray exhibited these qualities in abundance.

I never had any concerns when it came to the production of 'Cycle Coaching'. I knew that with his exceptional skills and abilities, his almost encyclopaedic knowledge and his consummate professionalism, it would always be of the highest standard. This was attested to by the fact that this publication was highly regarded way beyond the ABCC, even internationally.

I regard it a privilege to have worked with Ray. He will be sadly missed.

Dave Wall

The loss of Ray to his wife Helen, will be incalculable and his death will surely be mourned throughout the world of cycling. To those who had the good fortune to know him, he was acknowledged to be a veritable encyclopaedia on all manner of topics - not just in the cycle sport or diet and nutrition or training systems - without a moments hesitation he could recall who won a particular stage in the Tour de France and the manner in which that result was achieved. Likewise, across the spectrum of our sport. But, Ray was far more than that, he was a highly successful competitor - finishing 25th in the Milk Race "Tour of Britain" competing within a world class. He carried his race winning abilities throughout his career, latterly, riding in the ranks of the League of Veteran Racing Cyclists where he was prolific winner. He was a linguist - fluent in a number of languages and possessed literary skills of the very highest order. These abilities were clearly evident within the pages of Cycle Coaching and the Veteran Leaguer where he was the Editor for many years. Clearly, a man of exceptional skills and abilities, allied to knowledge that he made freely available to those seeking information. On occasions such as this, it is often said that the person will be sadly missed, that can certainly be said of Ramin Minovi. To which I would add - I doubt if I shall ever have the privilege to work with anyone with the same range of abilities. A truly amazing man and a very dear friend and colleague.

Lewis Hall

In the short time when we met and knew Ray, he turned out to be an invaluable friend of Nigeria and the Nigerian cyclists. He showed wholesome commitment, dedication, and devotion to the development of the sport of cycling in Nigeria and indeed the development of the Nigerian youth through sport. Ray preached cycling and made converts who now go riding and who will always remember him

Ray was a blessing to humanity at large. We love and respect him.

Even on his sick bed, Ray still believed and spoke of his unfinished work in Nigeria.
Ray had set for himself a Nigerian task. Yes! the world of sport has lost a gem, but the actual losers are the Nigerian cyclists.

The Iloh Cycling Club has decided to establish a trophy in Ray's name for annual competition.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace

Rev. Dr. Moses Iloh

Words cannot express how much we are going to miss Ray within ABCC, MIAS and myself personally.
I have shared many a car ride with Ray, during which times we have put the world to right. Ray have published several items from MIAS and I believe that he has influenced me greatly in shaping MIAS to what it is today. A great man, who always had time, to discuss numerous matters. I for one of many will miss him tremendously. God Bless!!

Martin Nash
Director of Coaching, MIAS

A sad day for cycling especially the ABCC.
Brian Young

Ray Harrad and myself wish to pass on our regards to his family. I never knew Ramin other than seeing him at the conference but could never fail to be impressed by the quality of the content and presentation he brought to the editorship of the coaching magazine. It makes the British Cycling efforts on a coaching mag look puny.
I wish the new editor of the magazine the very best and hope no one tries to compare him to Ray as he is a one off.

Eddie Land

Sorry to hear about Ramin, sounds like he will be sadly missed.
Oliver Jones

I am so sorry to hear the sad news.
I did ring Ray shortly after I spoke to you and simply wished him well and that he was in my thoughts and prayers - what else can you do? You feel so helpless.I just trust it was a happy release in the end. Please convey my condolenses to his wife - I would like to attend Funeral if possible

Gerry McGARR

SO sorry to hear the terrible news. You must be devastated.
Thoughts are with you,

Dave Lloyd

Sad news and thank you for letting me know.
I know Ray will be a hard act to follow and we will miss his unique viewpoint on the world of cycling

God Bless him
Dr Auriel Forrester

I was shocked and extremely saddened to hear of the death of Ray Minovi. Like many other veteran cyclists he appeared to be indestructible. His passing will be a great loss to the sport of cycling generally, as well as for coach education and the ABCC. It was a pleasure and honour to have known and worked with Ray during my years as a member of the ABCC Committee.

My sympathy to Ray's Family on this sad loss.

Tony Yorke, ABCC Senior Coach

Thank you for the news. I'm very sorry to hear it because I haven't seen Ray for a while now, but have always admired his tenacity - on a bike as well as a word-processor. If you can confirm funeral details, I'll do my best to be there.

Mark Fardon

I'm very sorry to receive your news. I never knew Ramin but remember reading some excellent articles from him in Cycle Coaching. Please pass on my condolences.

Trevor Wise

Very sad news. It was expected but nevertheless painful when it comes. He will be a very hard act to follow and a great loss to ABCC.
Maybe ABCC could remember him in some way - the Committee may already be thinking about it.
Get in touch if you think I can help in any way.
Best regards Gordon Wright

Sad news Jim, he was obviously very well liked and respected.

Mark Marsland

I am very sorry to hear of Ray passing. I had the honor of communicating with him regarding cycling. He will be missed!! My deepest regards to his family and friends.

Yours in cycling,
Herb Case, Rockford, ILL. USA

Dreadful news but explains Ray's sudden retirement.

Richie Haynes

So sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I had spoken to Lewis during the week and heard how Ray's health had deteriorated recently. I will be in Cyprus at the time of the funeral. Please include my condolences if you send a joint ABCC card. The world and the ABCC will most definitely not be the same without him.

Mike Dawson

Just got back from climbing in Dolomites and read your email about Ray and really sorry to hear the news and the speed of it all.
I am not sure what I can add to your comments other than we have lost a really knowledgeable and likable guy and someone I had great admiration for who made a massive contribution over many years.
I am on grandparenting duties early next week and cannot see at this stage how I can get away BUT will try to go to funeral but do you have an address so I can at least send a card to his family?

Terry Bell

My condolences to Ray and his family.

Jase Tether

As a lasting tribute to Ray and all he did for cycle sport in general and the ABCC in particular, may I suggest that the ABCC have a Ramin Minovi Memorial Lecture at this and future year's editions of the Coaching Conference.

Malcolm Firth

Although I have been an ABCC coach for some time I have never yet made it to the annual conference and so hadn't met Ramin Minovi, but I was very sorry to learn of his death, which is a sad loss to the organisation, to cycle coaching and of course to his family and friends. No doubt like many other members of ABCC I greatly appreciate the hard work that he put in to make 'Cycle Coaching' such an interesting, varied and relevant publication.

I am sure that you have had many other e-mails with similar content, the quality of 'Cycle Coaching' alone would have earned general acclamation for Mr. Minovi's input to the sport without his other activities.

Regards and sincere condolences,

Sophie.Bruton

I must say how saddened and shocked I was by the death of Ray, I was unaware that he had been ill. I know that Ray will be greatly missed by many people as he did some valuable work for ABCC.

Steve Timmins