Vale - Frank Brazier

AusCycling is saddened by the passing of Frank Brazier of New South Wales.

Frank Brazier, a dual Olympian and a national Junior champion in the Five Mile in 1953 at Hobart, started his career with Petersham Cycle Club before moving to St George in 1955. He was trained under the guidance of national coach Joe Buckley.

Racing on his home track at Hurstville Oval, Frank made cycling history when he lapped the field twice to claim the Australian 10 Mile title, his first senior amateur title. He was second in the team pursuit but the following year with his St George teammates, Warren Scarfe, Cliff Burvill and Roy Moore they took out the Southcott Cup. This pursuit team remained together and raced as a team at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

Frank was capable of winning on either track or road and continued to be a regular winner in NSW championships and major events.

In 1958, Frank competed at the Commonwealth Games in Cardiff claiming the silver medal in the road race in a bunch sprint of six riders behind Englishman Ray Booty.

Selected for his second Olympics at Rome 1960, Frank again teamed up with two St George teammates, Warren Scarfe and Rob Whetters as well as the Victorian, Gary Jones to race the 4000m team pursuit. He then rode the team time trial teaming with Scarfe, Alan Grindall and Gary Jones before focusing his attention on the road race.

Frank’s last representative jersey came in 1962 when he finished fourth in the Perth Commonwealth Games Road Race, following a prolific win in the Australian Road Championship at Centennial Park and another National Teams Pursuit title on the track.

Frank had many victories but will be well remembered for the fastest time in 1962 Goulburn to Bankstown as well as teaming with Max Langshaw winning the Dick Eagles 120 mile teams race at Bondi.

Frank was a fitter and turner and his cycling skills never eluded him as he worked as a cycle mechanic following retirement.

Frank was still pedalling his bike up until a fortnight ago.

After 20 years of battling cancer, he sadly passed away on 9 May at 87 years.

Written by Phil Bates