Champion cyclist Anna Meares to deliver eulogy for coach Reggie Tucker

Reggie Tucker played a crucial role in the career of one of Australia’s greatest Olympians, cyclist Anna Meares. She is now preparing to deliver his eulogy as his son share’s his fondest memories.

Cycling star Anna Meares will deliver the eulogy at the funeral of her coach Reggie Tucker, as his son shares some special memories.

When Anna Meares delivers the eulogy for her beloved coach Reggie Tucker on Friday, she will remember a man “strong-willed, stubborn, dedicated and passionate”.

Those sentiments are sure to be echoed in the heartfelt tribute prepared by the Tucker family, which will be given on their behalf by the Olympic, Commonwealth Games and world champion cyclist.

Reggie leaves a large void but a lasting legacy following his death on May 28, aged 89 years.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10am Friday at the East Chapel of the Rockhampton Crematorium.

And fittingly, a memorial ride will be held in his honour on Saturday morning, led by his three sons Kenrick, Byron and Russell.

Anna Meares at the track in Rockhampton with Reggie Tucker and other local riders.

Anna is flying from Adelaide to attend the funeral and the ride in a salute to the legendary mentor she said “remained humble and true to himself to the very end”.

Reggie coached Anna for six years in the formative stage of her illustrious career.

They remained close friends and stayed in regular contact as Anna powered her way to the top of international cycling.

Reggie’s son Kenrick described their partnership as a “match made in heaven”.

“Anna was this little girl who wanted to do good and that was the main ingredient for my father. The want, he used to say, she wanted to be the best,” he said.

Legendary cycling coach Reggie Tucker with son Kenrick.

“Dad loved making people the best.

“He was a very astute person, he could read someone in a second.

“I suppose my fondest memory for me was there was no limit in his belief in what you could do and he got people to believe in themselves.”

Reggie coached his three sons who all went on to be Australian champions, as did Kenrick’s daughters Brooke and Lara.

Kenrick also rode at two Commonwealth Games, where he won consecutive gold medals in the men’s 1000m match sprint, as well as two Olympics.

The Tucker boys - Russell, Kenrick and Byron - in the 1980s.

He said that growing up, cycling was his social life and Reggie created such a great environment at training.

Reggie mentored hundreds of cyclists, and had a profound effect on people far beyond the track.

He called time on his 50-year coaching career at age 85 in 2021, saying he had “no regrets”.

Kenrick said his dad was a hard taskmaster who had a positive impact on so many people.

“The thing that got me was that he did it all for free but his reward was seeing the person do their best - but that’s what he expected and demanded.”

The Tucker family (from left) Russell, mum Edith, Kenrick, dad Reggie and Byron.

Kenrick marvelled at his father’s commitment and devotion to everything he did.

As well as being considered one of the most influential coaches in the sport, Reggie had a successful career in the railway and also with his racing pigeons.

“There’s still some at his place today,” Kenrick said, “and I’ll be letting some of his beloved white pigeons go at the crematorium on Friday to fly home.”

Kenrick said the idea for Saturday’s memorial ride came from his daughter Brooke, who suggested they go for a ride together that day.

“I still ride and love it so I think she thought it was something to make me happy,” he said.

“I thought it was a great idea and said why don’t we invite everyone, all his riders.”

Anna Meares on the track in Rockhampton with local riders and former coach Reggie Tucker.

Kenrick said the ride would start at 7.30am at the rail bridge in Victoria Pde, and follow the training course used by Reggie, which included sprint training on woolwash road.

“Dad lived in Wandal so we’ll ride past his house and get our last instructions,” he said.

“We lost another good bike rider in John MacMaster recently so we’ll also ride past his place and then onto the gardens.”

The riders would finish at the Heritage Hotel, where they will share their memories of Reggie, including his many quotes and stories which Anna said “will live large”.

“He provided a platform for development that created a foundation that shaped so many, not just as athletes, but as people,” she wrote on Facebook.

“Whatever your memory or experience, it’s fair to say Reggie will never be forgotten.”