Tributes have been paid to a former Taranaki man with a passion for biking and a love of journey following his death at fifty-seven. Leigh Chapman, born in Stratford and schooled in Waitara, cycled professionally within the United States and Europe and represented New Zealand in the game. Chapman died on February 26 after quick warfare with bone marrow cancers. Despite his long absence from his domestic province, his achievements in international avenue racing have been widely recognized. Sport Taranaki leader executive Howie Tamati first met Chapman once they worked on the ground at Waitara’s freezing works. He had a character, all right. He turned into a hard case.
Tamati said Chapman’s ability at the motorcycle changed into additionally prominent. “As a bike owner, he becomes renowned for his capacity at the hills. He was a first-rate climber,” he said. “He becomes probable one who flew underneath the radar for Taranaki.” As a part of his biking CV, Chapman represented New Zealand between 1981 and 1989 in competitions in the United States, Tasmania, and Europe, including the 1987 World Championships in Austria and the equal opposition years later, which became held in France.
He additionally rode for professional teams in France and Switzerland. He lived the final 25 years in Queenstown, where he continued riding. While there, he also worked in the adventure tourism enterprise as a rafting and canyoning guide. Jack Swart, a former New Zealand cyclist representing the usa at the Commonwealth Games, stated that Chapman made a “quite desirable fist” of competing overseas. “In biking circles, we all knew what he did. We knew what he turned into capable of,” he stated. Chapman is also remembered for his comradeship with different cyclists.
He helped so many people along the way. He changed into only an actual likable person likable stated. “He became a notable competitor to head training with, just an extraordinary man.” Former expert bicycle owner Stephen Swart, Jack’s brother, stated Chapman “left an impact” on riders during his stint racing in America, especially with his climbing capability on the motorbike. They had stayed in contact over time through their shared interest in biking. Although he could not attend Chapman’s funeral service, Stephen Swart stated he visited him some days before he died to mention their very last goodbyes.
Chapman’s death came here ten months after a kidney transplant, which had freed him from desiring daily dialysis. Val Chapman, who lives in Brisbane, said the excessive regard that her son changed into held became obtrusive through the support and generosity of the circle of relatives following his passing. “He turned into a very popular guy; he had a remarkable persona.” Aside from biking, she stated that a different exceptional love became snowboarding. “He became an ‘Adventure Leigh’ a bit,” she said. Chapman is survived by his mom, his two sisters, Darrel and Vicki, and their families.
