Geoff Greenfield, a cycling icon in the Southampton area since moving to the city to work in the docks half a century ago, has died.

A member of Crabwood CC for nearly 50 years, and a founder member of the English Schools Cycling Association, Greenfield is best remembered for his services to cyclo-cross. He played a leading role in the establishment of the Wessex Association, which he served as general secretary from its inception until he stood down nearly two years ago. He did much to promote the branch of the sport, culminating in bringing the British Championships to Southampton Sports Centre in 1994.

Norwich-born Greenfield was a familiar figure there for most of his life, introducing cycling to youngsters coming into the sport with a constant series of coaching courses. He was also an individual trainer to many youngsters, who went on to achieve successes at national and international level.

Martin Springer and Glenn Longland are two who were introduced to competitive cycling by Greenfield as schoolboys before going on to achieve successes at both levels, after starting their racing careers as members of Crabwood CC - a club to which Greenfield remained loyal to throughout his life.

He is probably best remembered by his clubmates for the cycling treasure hunts he organised every year until failing health prevented him this year.

Greenfield was more than just a dedicated clubman however. Though his own racing efforts were no more than modest, especially when compared with the cyclists he coached, he also organised racing trips at home and abroad for many of them, often at his expense. Nothing pleased him more than seeing one of 'his' youngsters achieve success at world level.

Belgian-based professional Roger Hammond, winner of the world's junior cyclo-cross title in 1992 and a frequent competitor in Southampton for several years before and after that success, was one of his protgs.

It's the turn of Didcot Phoenix to organise this Sunday's meeting for the Wessex league, at the Newbury Show Ground, while Sotonia CC riders meet for their final racing fixture - the annual hill climb - at West Dean, close to the Wiltshire border.

FIXTURES:

November 16: Alton CTC meet Buriton Pond, nr Petersfield, 10am. Elevenses at Westbourne and lunch at Lavant.

Romsey CTC meet Palmerston's Statue, 10am for ride along Wellow lanes.

Winchester CTC meet Worthy Road car park, 2pm, for off-road ride.

November 17: Wessex Cyclo-cross League meeting, Newbury Show Ground, 11.30am

Sotonia CC meet North Baddesley crossroads, 9am for Hill Climb, West Dean Hill, 10.30am. Lunch at Whiteparish.

Alton CTC meet The Butts, 9am. Elevenses at Redfield Garden Centre, lunch at Lasham.

Southampton CTC meet Chilworth r.a.b. 9am. Elevenses and lunch at Broughton.

Winchester CTC meet King Alfred's Statue, 9am. Elevenses and lunch as above.

Wessex Winter Track League, Calshot Activities Centre, 1.30pm.