Cycling world mourns death of Aussie champ Wooldridge

The cycling community is in mourning following the news Australian former world champion and Olympic gold-medallist Steve Wooldridge (OAM) has died aged 39.

Wooldridge took home gold as part of Australia's Team Pursuit at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.

One of the country's most decorated cyclists, he also won a Commonwealth Games silver medal and four world titles in the teams pursuit.

The Australian Olympic Committee realeased a statement following his death.

“Stephen was an exceptional cyclist and Olympic Champion who will forever be remembered,” said AOC President John Coates.

“He was always very giving of his time to the Olympic movement, helping out with fundraising efforts whenever he could for the Australian Olympic Team over the years.

“Our deepest condolences are with his family, friends and all of those impacted by Stephen’s passing.”

Cycling NSW also paid tribute to Wooldridge's contribution to the sport.

"Stephen was an inspirational figure in track cycling, particularly in his home state of NSW,” the statement said.

"He was an outstanding team pursuiter, being a four time world champion in the discipline along with being the 2002 Commonwealth Games champion. Perhaps his greatest feat, occurring at the 2004 Athens Olympics where with his team mates Dawson, Lancaster, Brown, McGee and Roberts, he took gold for Australia.

"Stephen was inducted into the NSW Sports Hall of Fame in 2015; an honour he was delighted to receive both personally and for the sport of cycling.

"Stephen went onto pursue a career in the tertiary education sector primarily with the University of NSW, where he was a prominent administrator. This extended to his various roles with Cycling Australia and Oceania Cycling Confederation Boards and Committees.

"Cycling NSW’s thoughts are with Stephen’s family and his friends during this difficult time.”

Wooldridge’s good friend and mentor, Phill Bates, paid tribute to the cyclist in an emotional post published on Ride Media.

"In your lifetime you give support, encouragement and the opportunity for young cyclists to reach their goal," Bates wrote.

"In our sport of cycling, you see some conquer with lesser effort than others. Then you witness those that continue to work harder and reach even greater heights.

"Tragically today he gave his life away leaving behind a son and daughter, family and friends just short of his 40th birthday.

"Steve achieved many cycling accolades, NSW Hall of fame but also a degree in engineering and was playing a pivotal role at UNSW. His infectious smile, gentleman attitude on and off the bike made him a very special person.

"We are better for knowing him and worse off for losing him."

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