Jocelyn Lovell, ‘one of Canada’s greatest cyclists,’ dies at 65

OTTAWA – Canadian cyclist and three-time Olympian Jocelyn Lovell has died. He was 65.

Cycling Canada confirmed in a statement that Lovell died on Friday.

“On behalf of Cycling Canada, we would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of one of Canada’s greatest cyclists, Jocelyn Lovell,” said president of Cycling Canada John Tolkamp.

“Throughout his career, that was cut short, he was a fierce competitor who enjoyed international acclaim for both his style and accomplishments. Canada has lost one of our most formidable and respected cyclists.”

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Lovell, who resided in Mississauga, Ont., won more than 35 national titles, on road and track, at every distance. He represented Canada at three Olympic Games (1968, 1972 and 1976), and won six Commonwealth Games medals, including four golds, as well as a world championship silver medal in 1978 and gold medals at two Pan Am Games (1971, 1975).

Lovell set national records that stood for decades and became a member of the inaugural induction to the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame last fall.

Lovell’s career was cut short when he was hit by a dump truck in 1983 while training near his home. The accident resulted in spinal cord injuries, leaving Lovell quadriplegic. He was an advocate for spinal cord research for the rest of his life.

“Jocelyn was one of the pioneers in Canadian cycling that paved the way internationally for people like myself, Steve Bauer and Curt Harnett,” said Gordon Singleton, who won gold with Lovell at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton.

“Jos was absolutely one of the best bike handlers I have ever seen. Today, I’m sad to hear of his passing yet humbled to have the memory of winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal in tandem sprint riding as his partner.”