Len Pascoe - A lifetime in cycling, with cycling, for cycling.

Len Pascoe born in 1939, the war years being very formative for that generation, shared his stoic, hardworking and driven personality to help others. 

Like many he rode for fun, this fun extended to club runs, growing up in Cornwall there were early rides with Cornish Roads CC. On moving to Yorkshire when he was 21, the start of lifetime with cycling, he joined Chesterfield Couriers with Trevor Wragg and Brian Jolly his best friends. The later he coached and mentored as he rode for Ti Carlton, then Ti Raleigh becoming British Cycling Road Champion and then UCI President. 

A move back to Cornwall saw him become a major force in the South West. He had helped set up and run Mid Cornwall CC, Kernow CC, Choughs RC, Bike Chain Ricci and was a pillar of strength and advice for Saint Piran Pro Cycling. The clubs and teams flourished, he was not only a prolific volunteer, from marshalling, to sign on - but a prestigious and grass roots race organiser. The number of events as organiser and commissaire number hundreds, he was also famous for his race commentary. Top races include National 25 Championships, the Redruth Town Centre Pro-Am races. These races saw Dave Raynor, Malcolm Elliott, pros and a host of amateurs compete over an eight year period. 

Events inspire and this became the backbone for a golden era for Cornish cyclists at a time when there were sixty first cats (highest ranking at the time) eight were from Cornwall and included his son Richard Pascoe.

At a grassroots level Len organised on the road and closed circuits. 

One of his most missed opportunities was his innovative nature. He evidenced and pioneered the electrolyte drink in the 1960’s/70’s, sadly he didn’t patent it!!

One of the proudest achievements was with World Champion Norman Shields, setting up the ESCA English Schools Cycling Association. Aimed at schools it delivered many aspects of cycling, and with having an educational background both Norman and Len felt that a broad approach to cycling delivery was paramount. The organisation grew and supported, was relevant to all, very innovative and helped signpost young people to both grassroots and elite sport. Nichole Cooke was a graduate, Norman Sheilds was GB coach and ESCA was later in house by British Cycling. 

Len also served on many boards, committees and was always the voice of reason. He was very stoic, knowledgeable and motivating .

Over the last 20 years Len focussed on the youth sections in cycling and spent countless hours coaching and guiding. His immense pride at the Saint Piran Pro Cycling project which saw them become the dominant UK team in recent years giving opportunity to young people at the highest level.

We can estimate the number of people he has mentored, encouraged, guided through cycling to be in the thousands. 

At his service it was standing room every where, a tunnel of bicycle wheels raised as the cortège drove in - a fitting tribute.

What was quite ironic was that in the late eighties with Stephen Roche Len and Richard organised their one charity event of a lifetime a ride from Exeter to Hayle in Cornwall for cancer research £100,000+ was raised .
Len had lung cancer but not through smoking bit a rare form of cancer, not like Len to do things by half, he never took medication or complained .


CUSK YN KRES
Rest In Peace

Len on the moped me (Ricci) on the bike aged 4