Tributes were being paid to a veteran York cyclist who has died aged 93.

Arnold Elsegood joined the Clifton Cycling Club (CCC) in 1927. He was club champion from 1930-32, and came out of retirement at the age of 47 to try to regain his crown.

Arnold was a lifetime member of the national Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC), and was fundamental in setting up its annual rally on Knavesmire.

In his time with the CTC, he was a Class 'A' timekeeper for 20 years, and pioneered the first bicycle polo team in York, which, in its heyday was at the top of the inter-club Northern league.

Arnold sold his own hand made Minster Frame cycles out of his shop on Lord Mayor's Walk.

He also branched out into tandems. In 1938, Leeds pair Bill Thompson and Lawrence Innes broke seven national records on their ride from Land's End to John O' Groats, on an Arnold Elsegood tandem.

On their honeymoon in 1939, Arnold and his wife, Joyce, even travelled to London on one.

He also began tandem tours of the countryside for blind people, to enable them to get out and about safely.

In retirement, Arnold traded out of his shed.

In 1985, he became involved in the Wednesday Wheelers, a group of mainly retired people who cycle for leisure every week. He rode with them until the age of 87.

Founder member Walter Rich remembers him fondly.

"He was a gentleman of the road. We all enjoyed his company, he had so many anecdotes to listen to. We've all missed him since he left."

Arnold leaves widow, Joyce, sons Alan and John, grandchildren, Carl, Conrad and Jan and great-grandson Alec. A non-religious celebration of his life took place at the York Crematorium yesterday.

Updated: 08:39 Thursday, July 31, 2003