It is with deep sadness we report that legendary New Zealand broadcaster Ray Whitham passed away this morning after a brief battle with cancer.

Ray had been present at Manfeild for the second of three rounds of the Suzuki Series on Sunday and, although resigned to the fact that his failing health might mean he wouldn’t be able to be a spectator at the final round on the famous Cemetery Circuit, he certainly had his fingers crossed that he might make that one final event before he passed.

Sadly, this could not happen, although many will feel his presence there, perhaps looking down from the sky, and his words will live on, his insightful prose printed in the series programme.

Details of his funeral service will be posted on the BikesportNZ.com Facebook page when they come to hand.

© Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

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