Hawke's Bay world champion Regan Gough is mourning the loss of one of the most influential figures of his cycling career.
Central Hawke's Bay man Graham Golding died at his farm on January 20. The 72-year-old was riding a quad bike during thistle spraying on a property east of Waipawa. Police believed the bike rolled on him but investigations were continuing.
Gough said Mr Golding's death was a huge shock for the community.
"He was a guy you'd think would live to 120, he lived a very active life was fit, we didn't really see that coming."
They had lived just two houses away from each other for the past 19 years.