"The Ian Vaughan Trophy” is awarded annually to the winner of the Senior Road Race Championship promoted by the North East Division of British Cycling. The trophy was presented in memory of Ian by his parents, following his tragic death in 1990. Ian had been taking part in the annual Tyneside Vagabonds Mountain Time Trial and was passing the Waggon Inn near Belsay, Northumberland, when he was struck head-on by a motor car being driven on the wrong side of the road. Ian was aged 25 years old.
Born on the 13th May, 1965, Ian was the eldest son of Allan and Joan Vaughan. He joined the Barnesbury Cycling Club in 1980 at the tender age of 14 years old. Ian’s early cycling days were spent mainly in the company of a group of fellow teenagers, under the watchful eye of Tom Bell. The group included Tom's son and daughter - Paul and Carol, Gordon Brown, Ian Flowers, Ian Norris and Gail Turnbull. Through Tom's enthusiasm for the sport and for touring in particular, the youngsters were introduced to the joys of riding the bike and then onto racing.
By 1988 Ian’s time-trialling ability had developed and he won the Barnesbury CC Best All Round Competition, over the then distances of 25, 50 and 100 miles, emulating his father 30 years previous. "Frankie", as Ian was affectionately known, was always willing to do “his bit" for the club and held a number of committee positions throughout his Barnesbury time. A genuine "all-rounder", Ian also participated in track racing, but his main interest was road racing, winning the 1989 Ballantyne Trophy RR, promoted by fiancée Gail Turnbull whom he met through the club and married later that same year.
Ian died on 20th May 1990 aged 25 years old whilst competing in a time trial near Belsay, Northumberland. In recognition of Ian's love of road racing, his popularity among his fellow competitors, the Barnesbury suggested that the trophy donated by Ian’s parents should be offered to the winner of the Divisional Road Race. Presented on an annual basis to the champion, the trophy continues to be awarded even after the merger of the old North East and Cleveland Divisions.
The below list illustrates the illustrious names winning the trophy since its inception in 1991 with the first winner being Jeff Wright of Tyne Velo. Jeff a North East hard man was presented with the trophy by Joan Vaughan at that year’s club awards presentation. The trophy remains the property of the Barnesbury. For our fellow Barnesbarian. Missed, but never forgotten.