Jason McRoy (26 November 1971 – 24 August 1995) was an English professional mountain bike racer. McRoy was the first British rider to join an American professional mountain bike team – Specialized/2 Calorie Quest – and was a UK National downhill champion.

Jason McRoy
Personal information
Full nameJason McRoy
NicknameJMC
Born(1971-11-26)26 November 1971
Luton, Bedfordshire
Died24 August 1995(1995-08-24) (aged 23)
Woodhead Pass, Derbyshire
Team information
DisciplineBMX, MTB
RoleRider
Rider typeDownhill
Professional teams
1992Team MBUK
1994–1995Specialized/2 Calorie Quest

Cycling career

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Despite being born with a hole in his heart and enduring a childhood beset by illness,[1] McRoy developed an early love of cycling. Following childhood success in BMX racing – curtailed by a serious injury to his knee, and a consequent period off his bike to recuperate – McRoy first tried downhill mountain bike racing at age 17.[1] In his first race, despite still being registered as a Junior, his time was sufficiently quick for him to take third place overall.[1] McRoy rose to international prominence after taking second place in the prestigious Mammoth Kamikaze race in 1993,[2] the first year that the event was held to the 'Eliminator' format. It was following this success that Specialized USA signed him for the 1994 season.

Death and legacy

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He was killed in a motorcycle accident on the A628 Woodhead Pass between Manchester and Sheffield, England. There is currently a memorial up on this road where flowers and banners have been placed.

In 2009, he was inducted into the British Cycling Hall of Fame.[3]

Results

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  • 2nd Reebok Eliminator (1993)
  • Great Britain national downhill champion (1993)

References

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  1. ^ a b c McKay (12 April 2011). "Dad of Washington biker Jason McRoy speaks about his son". Chronicle Live. Trinity Mirror North East. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
  2. ^ "Jason McRoy". UK MTB Hall of Fame. Pacific Edge Events. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
  3. ^ "50 Cycling Heroes Named in British Cycling's Hall of Fame". British Cycling. 17 December 2009.