VELO CLUB LONG EATON

While the provided club archives do not record the exact date of his passing, they provide a rich and detailed tapestry of his life and achievements. Based on the historical records, here is an obituary honoring his legacy:

In Memoriam: Maurice Buxton

Maurice Buxton, a true stalwart and legendary figure of the Long Eaton Paragon Cycling Club (LEPCC), leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of dedication, athletic endurance, and unwavering club spirit. For decades, Maurice was the heartbeat of the local cycling community, serving as both a formidable competitor on the road and a tireless administrator behind the scenes.

A Lifetime of Service Maurice’s administrative contributions were the lifeblood of the club. He took on the demanding role of Club Secretary in 1984, steering the club through changing times until its amalgamation in 2006. He was the official voice of the LEPCC, serving as Press Secretary for over three decades across two stints (1967–1987 and 1995–2006), and he meticulously edited the Paragon Print from 1969 to 2006.

His selfless dedication did not go unnoticed by his peers. Maurice was awarded the prestigious Joe Blackburn Trophy for "Clubman of the Year" a remarkable eight times—in 1966, 1974, 1980, 1984, 1987, 1990, 2000, and 2006.

A Champion of Endurance On the bike, Maurice possessed an iron will, particularly excelling in grueling endurance events and veteran competitions. He was the club's 12-Hour Champion six times, first taking the title in 1978 by riding 239.24 miles, and incredibly, winning it five more times during the 1990s (1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1998).

His racing prowess only seemed to sharpen with age. He won the overall Club Best All Rounder (B.A.R.) title five times (1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1998) and completely dominated the Veterans B.A.R. category, claiming the title eight times between 1992 and 2000. He also proved his versatility by winning the 25-Mile Handicap in 1984 and the Hilly Time Trial Championship in 1986.

National Glory and Alpine Heights Maurice’s talents extended well beyond local club time trials. In 1993, he earned regional recognition as the BDCA Veterans Best All Rounder. Two years later, in 1995, he achieved national glory as a key member of the LEPCC squad—alongside teammates M. Draper and R. Smith—that won the National VTTA Best All Rounder Club Team Championship.

Never one to shy away from extreme physical challenges, Maurice also conquered Europe's most demanding high-altitude endurance rides. He successfully completed the grueling 'Raid Pyreneen' Audax in 1992 alongside his fellow veteran clubmates, and later finished the demanding 'Raid Alpine' Audax in 2000.

A Lasting Legacy Perhaps Maurice's most enduring physical contribution to the cycling community was serving as the co-author and compiler of the 56 Years of Paragon Records. Because of his dedication to preserving the past, the triumphs of hundreds of his clubmates will never be forgotten.

Maurice Buxton was more than just a cyclist; he was the historian, the administrator, the competitor, and the soul of his club. He will be deeply missed, but his name will forever remain etched in the record books he so lovingly kept.