A memorial ride will take place in tribute to a late cyclist who represented Great Britain at the Olympics.

Gary Dighton, who grew up in Whittlesey and raced with the Fenland Clarion as a junior in the mid 1980s, took his own life aged 46 earlier this month. He leaves behind a widow and two children.

Mr Dighton broke the Fenland Clarion 25 mile record in 1987 with a time of 52.51, which still stands.

At his peak, he was one of the country’s top time triallists, winning the national 100 mile championship.

He was the British best all Rounder in 1990 and in 1992 he represented Great Britain in the 100km team time trial at the Barcelona Olympics. The team finished 14th.

Mr Dighton retired from racing in 1998 after moving to Dorset, but started racing again in 2010 with the Poole Wheelers, turning in some top performances and rapid rides, mostly over 10 and 25 miles.

Gary Swan, of Fenland Clarion, said: “Gary was a friendly, popular guy and fondly remembered by many club members, who were justifiably proud of his performances on the bike and that he started with the Fenland Clarion.”

Sunday’s Fenland Clarion club ride, which will leave the Helpston Garden Centre in Peterborough for Beans in Oundle at 9am, will be known as the Gary Dighton Memorial Ride.

Money raised will be put towards paying for Mr Dighton’s family to get away for a short break.