St George cyclist and Olympian, Frank Brazier, remembered

Brazier, a national Junior champ in the five mile in 1953 at Hobart started his career with Petersham Cycle Club before moving to St George in 1955 and was trained under the guidance of National Coach Joe Buckley.

Racing on his home track at Hurstville Oval, he 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 combined with St George team-mates, Warren Scarfe, Cliff Burvill and Roy Moore to take the Southcott Cup and become the Australian team at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.

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

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

Selected for his second Olympics in 1960 at Rome, Brazier again teamed up with St George team-mates, including; Scarfe and Rob Whetters, along side Victorian Gary Jones, to race the 4000 metre team pursuit.

He then rode the team time trial, with Scarfe, Jones and Alan Grindall, before focussing his attention on the road race.

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

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

Brazier did his time as a fitter and turner working for Charlie Bazzano and alongside Joe Buckley at Velox Engineering, manufacturing View brakes, head stems and hubs.

His cycling skills never eluded him and he worked as a cycle mechanic following retirement. Still pedalling his bike up to a fortnight ago.

Brazier is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Lorraine, and he turned 87-years-old in February.

The funeral was held at Newcastle Memorial Park at Beresfield on Monday.