Craig Sweetman was known in the road racing scene all across the country, with his sudden passing greeted with shock and sadness (Photo: Caroline Kerley)

Craig Sweetman, a popular figure on the Irish road racing scene for decades, has very sadly passed away, with Irish cycling mourning his loss. Craig, who was a longterm member of Stamullen Road Club, since his early teens, had raced well into his veteran years and was continuing to compete strongly this season.

In a number of those recent events, he raced alongside his son, Toby (VC Glendale). The Sweetman family enjoyed a fantastic day on the Junior Tour of Ireland the week before last when Toby (18) won a stage while racing for the Irish team.

Craig had been at the ‘Peter Bidwell’ race in Donore, Co Meath, on Saturday evening and while he was not racing, due to an injury, he was among those spectating. Later he took ill and very sadly passed away aged 52 years.

He was a stalwart of the Irish road scene, with a racing career marked by a rare longterm committment that included 11 appearances in Rás Tailteann. He was also an international rider, making his debut at the Tour of Hokkaido in Japan in 2002.

Craig was also 2nd in the Classic League in 2002 and won a large number of races at the height of his career, including being crowned men’s senior Leinster road race champion. He was still placing in races this year and two years ago won the Masters 50 title at Masters National Road Race Championships in Clonard, Co Meath.

He had remained very commited to cycling down the years, and passed on much of his vast knowledge to younger riders and those in the early stages of their racing careers.

Many tributes have been paid to Craig by cycling people and clubs across the country, with Toby’s club, VC Glendale, saying everyone at the club was “shocked and saddened” to hear of Craig’s death.

“Craig was a great supporter of the club over the years and we were delighted when he brought his son, Toby, into the academy,” the club said. “Under Craig’s mentorship, Toby has excelled, developing into one of the leading lights in the Irish cycling scene.

“Craig was an accomplished racer having competed in 11 editions of the Rás and he also represented his country on many occasions. Still racing at a highly competitive level he was recently also a national masters champion.

“Our club members regularly raced with and met Craig, counting him as a great friend and we all send our deepest condolences to his wife Gilly and sons Toby and Tyler. Rest in peace Craig.”

Kay Howard with husband Gaybo were central figures in Stamullen Road Club. Kay said there were “no words to describle how we in Stamullen Road Club are feeling following the sudden death of our Craig Sweetman, something we will find hard to ever get over”.

“For almost 40 years Craig has been a member of the Club and was always like another member of our family. Our deepest thoughts and immense sadness are with Craig’s wife Gillian and sons, Toby and Tyler. God give them strength over the coming days and month’s ahead.”

Aidan Crowley’s All human-VeloRevolution club also paid tribute to Craig, saying its riders were as shocked as everyone on the home road racing scene to learn of his passing.

“We knew Craig for as long as we’re all cycling and at every level we have raced him or watched him,” the club said. “He was a true competitor, a real race smart bike rider on the bike, a family man that all could see and a gentleman.

“We are very sad to hear of Craig’s passing. We send his whole family strength at this time and for the future. Rest in Peace Craig. We will see you for another sprint some day.”

Stickybottle had intended to publish an interview with Toby this evening about his Junior Tour success, though we will obviously pause that for now as a mark of respect.

However, in our interview, Toby told us how his dad helped guide him on the Junior Tour. Craig told him to be at the front at a specific point on the stage he won because the race would split there, which it did, with Toby making the front group and winning in the sprint.

Stickybottle would like to extend our sympathies to Craig’s wife, Gilly, and their boys, Toby and Tyler, at such a sad time for the family. Craig will be sorely missed throughout Irish cycling and his passing will be deeply felt by his many friends on the cycling scene across the country.