‘A true friend to so many’: Tributes flow for Jonathan Cantwell

It’s been a day of mourning for the cycling community after yesterday’s tragic news of Jonathan Cantwell’s passing. There’s been a collective outpouring of grief from friends, fellow racers, members of the media, and colleagues alike, with many taking to social media to pay tribute to a loveable larrikin and fearsome competitor.

In the wake of Cantwell’s death, a GoFundMe account has been created to help support the 36-year-old’s family. At the time of writing that fund has raised more than $6,000 in just a few hours. Its creators hope to raise $50,000 to help “secure some financial stability to his kids during this period of adaptation and mourning.”

In addition, a tribute ride has been organised in Melbourne for this Saturday morning, starting at the SwiftCarbon shop in St. Kilda:

The team at CyclingTips would like to join the many voices below in offering their heartfelt condolences to Jonathan’s family, friends and colleagues.

https://twitter.com/CyclingAus/status/1060060537420038144

Jonathan Cantwell you will be missed dearly, you leave us way too young.
RIP.

— david mckenzie (@davemacka) November 7, 2018

Gutted to hear of Jonathan Cantwell’s sudden passing. Top guy, and loved the way he raced. Was a pleasure to race alongside him a few times. Too soon.

— Aram D (@thearamD) November 7, 2018

Today's been a tough one. There was no one quite like Jonathan Cantwell. Please look out for one another. pic.twitter.com/zNhBRjyJB2

— Jane Aubrey (@janeaubrey) November 7, 2018

Deeply saddened to read the news of the passing of Jonathan Cantwell. Deepest condolences to his family and close friends.

— Ag Giramondo (@AgGiramondo) November 7, 2018

Such an awfully sad day. RIP Jonathan Cantwell. Always willing to help, and with such an infectious smile, the image of which has been with me all day since learning of his death. My deepest condolences to his family and many friends in cycling, triathlon and elsewhere.

— Rupert Guinness (@rupertguinness) November 7, 2018

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp39L7HlKbc/

This happy joking face I will remember….you will be missed my friend, by myself, and everyone else that had the opportunity to spend time with you. You always had a joke, a laugh and brought a smile to everyone’s face….. RIP @jonathancantwell pic.twitter.com/5aqarMRgEr

— Matt Goss OLY (@mattgoss1986) November 7, 2018

Shocked to wake to news of Jonathan Cantwell’s death. He was a tremendous talent and an all-around great guy. Prayers for his family and friends. https://t.co/RRoH2O26z4

— Dan Wuori (@dwuori) November 7, 2018

Just read the sad news about Jonathan Cantwell. I’m in shock. Thoughts go out to his family and friends. He was always great to chat with on tour and will be missed by the entire cycling community.

— Dan Jones (@ozDanJones) November 7, 2018

The loss of Jonathan Cantwell has really shook me. I don't know what to say.
Jono: you are great, you are loved, and you will be missed.

— Monique Hanley 🌈 (@MoniqueHanley) November 7, 2018

Waking up to the terrible news of the passing of Jonathan Cantwell. Many great memories from his years racing in the US with Jittery Joe's and Fly V. Thinking of his family, friends, and cycling community today.

— Brad Sohner (@bradsohner) November 7, 2018

Shocked and saddened to hear of Jonathan Cantwell’s death this morning. Proud to have had him on my team in 2008. RIP Jonno. pic.twitter.com/hQrAStKY9j

— Micah Rice (@micahrice) November 7, 2018

https://twitter.com/AusVelo/status/1060300156212457472

My heart aches heavy to learn that Jonathon Cantwell has died. Love and thoughts with his family and friends and indeed community 💔🚲 https://t.co/HCmkhW9w39

— Anna Meares (@AnnaMeares) November 7, 2018

Sad and devistated to hear the news about Jonathan Cantwell. RIP https://t.co/YtQOrcbKpm

— Drew Ginn (@drewginn) November 7, 2018

Such tragic news to hear about the death of @J_Cantwell. I’ve known Jonny for many, many years. Always full of energy and lots of life. I hope he rests in peace. A life gone too early. Sending my love to his family and friends that he leaves behind. 🙏🏻

— Tiffany Jane (@tiffanycromwell) November 8, 2018