RIP Willie Engelbrecht

[GLuvsMtb]

Just heard that Willie passed away at age 62. Bought my first road bike from his shop in Durban Road in 2007. A Raleigh RC6000. 

Rest in Peace Willie. 

[Robbie Stewart]

62 is young. Condolences to his family. 

[Zebra]

Sad news, indeed, and that is my own age…

I enjoyed dealing with him, and currently ride one of his old (personal) bikes, so will treasure some good memories of him - sad, sad news, indeed.

R.I.P., Willie.

Edited December 1 by Zebra
Clarity

[Rapunzel]

Remember getting an autograph from Willie at Paarl track back in the 80's and 30 years later got to go on a memorable but very wild night ride with him. Much as he had his demons and was not always one for following the rule book, Willie was generous almost to a fault. His passion for cycling was contagious and without him, our sport would have been so much poorer.

Willie, you are lost but never forgotten.

Edited December 1 by Rapunzel

[Underachiever]

I was a juvenile and junior when Willie was at the start of his transition from Maties to Pro.  Spent a number of hours training with him.

He was in a class of his own and poetry in motion on his track bike.

This is way too young... RIP champ!!!!

 

[JacBrand]

Sad news.

I met Willie in 2004 when I interviewed him for my thesis. Very insightful. 

Years later, I bumped into him on the Bottelary trails where he set up my friend's"mountain bike for free. We had a lekker chat during that ride.

What a champ!

[Reinhold]

It's really sad to hear of Willie's passing,he was a good person,I used to visit his shop Willie Engelbrecht Cycles in Tygervalley near Tygervalley Mall in 2005/2006.Rest in peace.🕊

[Prince Albert Cycles]

Met Willie in 1995 I think when a group of us went to Hluhluwe in KZN to participate in a fun ride think it was called The Pineapple Fest . The organisers invited Willie as an attraction . Willie and his attractive wife was the talk of the show not for him winning the funride but for the gigantic speed fine he got on his way there with his brand new BMW 328i . 
In about 2010 I was riding a single track on Bottelary when I heard that I was holding up another rider and said over my shoulder that I will move out of the was as soon as I can .  When opportunity arose Willie came past gently . Riding behind him I saw that his legs were perfectly toned and when I asked him what he was training for he said “ for just in case “

RIP Willie 

[Wannabe]

R.I.P Willie "Bene" Engelbrecht.

[Popit]

RIP Willie , a legend of SA Cycling