Funeral date announced for cyclo-cross champion Jan Kardasz

Jan Kardasz died aged 66, at Nightingale House Hospice on Saturday, October 31, following a battle with bladder cancer.

Mr Kardasz, whose father was a Polish soldier in the Second World War who later settled in north Wales, grew up in Cefn Mawr.

After leaving Ruabon school, he completed his apprenticeship at Air Products in Acrefair and went on to become a fabricator/welder, working around the UK, Europe and even in India.

He had had an interest in motorcycle scrambling from a young age and, when he moved to Rossett in 2011, he began to start taking his cycling seriously.

Over recent years, Mr Kardasz had become a very active competitor in cyclo-cross at the North West cyclo-cross Club.

He was the veteran cyclo-cross champion for Wales on two occasions in 2021 and 2024 and was also an active and much-loved member of Wrexham Fibrax Cycling Club.

Earlier this week, Mr Kardasz's siblings Christine and Phil paid tribute, hailing him as a a 'much respected rider and competitor' within the sport.

Since The Leader published that article, several more of you have been getting in touch to pay your respects.

Jan Kardasz was a talented cyclist. (Image: User submitted)

Rob Hulse said: "Such a great lad who will be sadly missed."

Tracy Windram added: "We're so sorry to hear this, he was always so kind and such a lovely guy. He'll be greatly missed."

Sian Lis said: "So sorry to hear this. I knew Jan from my school years. Such a lovely person."

Dawn Davies told us; "So sorry to hear this, he was a lovely neighbour and a lovely man. He will be very much missed. Condolences to his family."

Julie Austin added: "Sorry to hear the sad news - Jan was a good man."

A funeral date to pay respects to Mr Kardasz has now been announced by the family.

That will take place at Pentrebychan Crematorium in Wrexham from 3pm on Thursday, November 26.