IT BEGAN with an ambitious young man giving up his trade as a printer, to gamble his future on the sport he adored, by opening a humble bike shop on the outskirts of Manchester.

But it ended fifty years later, with the name of Harry Hall - who died last week aged 78 - being revered the world over as one of the legends of cycling.

The specialist cycle frames he built were in demand everywhere, as was the back up service he provided to amateurs and competitors alike.

Harry was acknowledged as one of the top British mechanics of his era and helped produce some of the best road riders in the country.

Later in life he took early retirement so he could return to racing and earned a reputation as one of the best veterans on the circuit.

The grandfather of seven's name will live on through the business which his son Graham now runs in the centre of the Manchester.

Passion

His widow Jean, said at the family home in New Mills, near Stockport: "Cycling was much more than a hobby or a sport with Harry: it was his absolute passion. He always used to say that he had been so lucky to combine both his work and his hobby, and he never ceased to love it."

Manchester-born Harry enjoyed the freedom that two-wheels could bring, and was a member of numerous local cycling clubs.

When in 1957 he became aware that a cycle shop on Hyde Road in Gorton, was up for sale, he decided to take the plunge and buy it.

The business grew and in 1969 Harry Hall Cycles moved into a prime city centre location in Cathedral Street, where it became known as much for its stock of specialist clothing and equipment as for its cycles.

In 1987 the business moved around the corner to Hanging Ditch, where it became one of the first to cater for mountain biking.

Leave your tributes to Harry Hall here.

Harry was also establishing his name on the professional circuit as a bike mechanic at some of the world's most prestigious events including the Tour de France.

In 1967 Harry was mechanic to British racing cyclist Tom Simpson, who on July 13 1967, died in a tragic attempt to win the Tour de France.

He provided a neutral support vehicle which became a regular sight at UK events, including Manchester's Commonwealth Games.

His widow Jean said: "He travelled all over the world to become involved in cycle events and he loved every single minute of it.

"He had ridden in competition as a young man, and had quickly realised that he would have to sacrifice that to build the business. But later in life he decided he really wanted to go back to it."

He did just that, and made his name once again, winning both the British National and World Age related Championship in 1989.

All enquiries please, to Unsworth's Funeral Service on 01663 742772.

Leave your tributes to Harry Hall here .