It is with huge sadness that we report the passing of the Musselburgh RCC’s Andy Matheson on Sunday 17th December 2023, peacefully, with his family by his side.
To our shame, we never got around to interviewing Andy on VeloVeritas, most likely because we felt there was no hurry; Andy had always been at the races and I guess we thought he always would be, but his story is a good one and would have made a wonderful and inspiring interview.
Andy was a lovely person, he’s always been around the sport for the time I have, a fixture; he’s been in the moves, usually placing in the result, strong as teak and forever laughing and upbeat, encouraging and interested.
Chatting at the Glentress MTB Worlds last August, he was full of stories from the season and his plans for 2024. He wanted to know all about my plans too and he also kindly asked after Ed, which was much appreciated.
Andy [aka “Murph”] was known for his incredible resilience, his strength and his talent as a cyclist but just as much for his generosity, kindness and warm-hearted nature off the bike.
When you chatted to Andy you were always met with a wide smile, great enthusiasm and genuine interest.
Andy joined the Musselburgh RCC as a schoolboy in the 70’s and became a lifelong member which, as John Stollery commented on the History of Scottish Cycling Facebook group, says a lot about the type of guy Andy was; a very humble yet immensely talented, mentally tough athlete.
Andy worked hard at his racing and training and loved his cycling, commuting back and forward to work for many years.
Andy was also working recently with Scottish Cycling, providing valuable input into Scottish Cycling’s Domestic Events Strategy.
A (very) short summary of Andy’s achievements include:
- 1990 – 1st Drummond Trophy, 1st Davie Bell Memorial, 6th British Road Race Championships, represented Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand
- 1998 – several road race wins, including the GS Metro and Bonnyrigg events
- 1999 – 4th Scottish Road Race Championships
- 2000 – several placings including 3rd in the Drummond Trophy
- 2003 – 2nd Scottish Road Race Championship (as a Vet)
- 2004 – 3rd Scottish Vet’s Championship
- 2005 – 2nd Scottish Vet’s Championship
- 2006 – 4th Scottish Vet’s Championship
- 2009 – 1st in Scottish Vet’s Championship
- 2013 – multiple placings in Track League, Glasgow, 2nd Scottish Vet’s Championship
- 2017 – 5th on a stage Masters Tour of Mallorca
- 2021 – 9th British Masters Championship
- 2023 – 4th Scottish Masters Championship, raced the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships and the Masters Tour of Mallorca.
There have been so many tributes to Andy on the various forums and groups but the following ones from our friends summarise the depth of feeling everybody has for the man.
Graham McGarrity;
“You could be getting the worst kicking in the toughest, foulest most horrible race and you’d look at Andy and he’d be smiling, or laughing.
“So many good memories of times spent with him. He was always up for an adventure and his enthusiasm knew no limits.
“All the comments written about him are testament to the huge impact he had on everyone he met, and he was probably the only guy who didn’t annoy you when he bent your legs.
“Like everyone I’m going to miss him so much.
“My heartfelt condolences to April, Ross and Fiona xx”
Andrew Young;
“My condolences to April and the family. I’m very sad to hear of Andy’s passing.
“I got to know Andy through many racing trips back on the late 1980s and 90s. He was such a rock for the team, striking the balance between having a laugh and being serious.
“We always enjoyed racing and just being together. I also enjoyed recently catching up with him after many years of not being in touch.
“A true gentleman who made time for everyone.
“I hope you Rest In Peace, sir. You will be missed by all of us.”
Sandy Gilchrist;
“Murph was definitely not a person who you thought would have heart problems. He enjoyed his bike and all that came with it; racing or socialising.
“He was an inspiration to many in the Musselburgh club and others, and a lot of photos that came about Murph was in them – not that he tried to be, he was just in that place at the time.
“I took him to the Commie Games in New Zealand and we went over quite early to do some training as the Games were in our ‘off season’. We stayed at a kiwi farm with friends I had sorted out, the road guys and also the trackies too.
“I am not sure what Andy would consider his best win or ride, he just liked the company and the fun he had whether he was racing, winning, or just riding his bike.
“Kathy had a long chat with his son Ross a couple of days ago and it was obvious that the family are enormously proud of him and what he had instilled in them.
“Murph was a terrific guy, fun to work with and to look after. One of the best teammates possible for those riding with him. RIP Andy.”
Andy Matheson, “never missed a turn”. RIP sir.
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The funeral for Andy will take place at 2pm on Friday 19th January 2024 at Mortonhall Crematorium, 30B Howden Hall Road, Edinburgh, EH16 6TX.
Everybody is welcome afterwards to join the family at the Ravelston Hotel, 182 North High Street, Musselburgh EH32 6BH.
