Remembering Sheila Hardy: A Pioneer, Leader and Friend

Cycling Time Trials pays tribute to Sheila Hardy, the organisation's first female Chair, whose decades of service, unwavering commitment and compassionate leadership left an enduring mark on time trialling and the people who make our sport possible.

There are some people whose contribution to our sport can never truly be measured by the titles they held or the meetings they attended. Their legacy is found in the countless hours they gave, the people they inspired and the organisation they helped to shape. Sheila Hardy was one of those people.

Everyone at Cycling Time Trials was deeply saddened to learn of Sheila's passing. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of service to time trialling, having devoted much of her life to supporting and developing the sport she loved.

For many within our community, Sheila will be remembered as the first woman to serve as Chair of Cycling Time Trials. Elected in 2008, she broke new ground at the head of the organisation and went on to become one of its longest-serving Chairs, leading CTT for more than a decade during a period of significant change. Yet those who knew Sheila would be the first to say that leadership was never about recognition—it was simply another way of giving back to the sport that had given her so much.

Long before becoming Chair, Sheila had established herself as a respected and dedicated volunteer within the Midland District. She served the district with distinction before joining the RTTC National Committee in 1997, helping to guide the organisation through its evolution into Cycling Time Trials in 2002. Throughout those years she became known for her calm approach, sound judgement and unwavering commitment to ensuring that the sport remained in safe hands for future generations.

One of Sheila's greatest strengths was that she never lost sight of the people at the heart of our sport. As both a competitor and a volunteer, she understood Cycling Time Trials from every perspective. She appreciated the challenges faced by riders, event organisers and the volunteers who give their time so generously, and she worked hard to ensure that their voices were heard at Board level.

Reflecting on Sheila's approach, fellow Director Sue Bowler said:

"She went out of her way to engage with riders, organisers and volunteers in a way that showed that she and the Board were there to support those at the sharp end."

That commitment to listening, engaging and supporting others became one of the defining characteristics of Sheila's leadership and helped foster stronger relationships throughout the organisation.

Sheila firmly believed that cycling is built upon volunteers. Whether organising events, supporting officials, contributing to governance or offering advice to newcomers, she understood that every role mattered. She championed the volunteers who stand on roadsides in all weathers, who organise events week after week and who quietly give their time so that others can enjoy racing.

During her time as Chair, Sheila helped steer Cycling Time Trials through many important developments while remaining true to the organisation's core values. She earned the respect of riders, event organisers, district officials and fellow Directors alike, not through seeking the spotlight but through her thoughtful leadership, integrity and genuine care for the sport and its people.

Her remarkable service was recognised with the award of the Cycling Time Trials Gold Badge of Honour, one of the organisation's highest accolades. In 2024, her contribution to cycling was further recognised with the prestigious F. T. Bidlake Memorial Trust Award, a fitting acknowledgement of the enormous impact she had made over many years of dedicated service.

While Sheila's achievements within the organisation were significant, those who worked alongside her will remember something even more important. They will remember her kindness, her warmth, her willingness to listen and her encouragement of others. She had an ability to make people feel welcome and valued, whether they were experienced officials or riders attending their very first time trial.

The strength of Cycling Time Trials today owes much to volunteers like Sheila. Her commitment helped build an organisation that continues to provide opportunities for riders of all ages and abilities, and her influence will continue to be felt for many years to come.

As we reflect on Sheila's life, we do so with gratitude. Gratitude for the thousands of hours she freely gave, for the leadership she provided, for the example she set and for the lasting difference she made to our sport.

On behalf of everyone at Cycling Time Trials, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Sheila's family, friends and all those whose lives she touched through cycling.

Tim Smith, Chair of Cycling Time Trials, said:

"Sheila's contribution to Cycling Time Trials cannot be overstated. As our first female Chair, she was a pioneer whose leadership, dedication and integrity earned the respect of everyone who had the privilege of working with her.

She devoted so much of her life to our sport, not because she sought recognition, but because she genuinely cared about time trialling and the people who make it happen—from riders and event organisers to timekeepers, marshals and every volunteer who gives their time to our sport.

Personally, I feel incredibly privileged to follow in Sheila's footsteps as Chair of Cycling Time Trials. Her example of quiet leadership, fairness and unwavering commitment will continue to inspire all of us who have the responsibility of guiding the organisation into the future.

On behalf of everyone at Cycling Time Trials, I offer our sincere thanks for everything Sheila gave to our organisation and extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will endure for generations to come."

Thank you, Sheila, for everything you gave to Cycling Time Trials. Your legacy will continue to inspire us all.