A public memorial service was held this afternoon for renowned freeride mountain biker Kelly McGarry in his hometown of Wakefield near Nelson.
The 33-year-old professional biker died a week ago after suffering a cardiac arrest while riding on a track in Queenstown.
READ MORE: Tributes flow for legendary mountain biker
The service was held at the Wakefield Recreation Reserve at 2pm today and a private service followed for family and close friends.
McGarry, known to friends and fans alike as McGazza, was a pioneer for freeride mountain biking in New Zealand. He was one of the first to go overseas and make a living from it.
McGarry flipped his way into the history books in 2013 when he back flipped over a 72-foot canyon at the Red Bull Rampage event in Utah.
"Kelly was a warm-hearted, friendly and relaxed guy. He stood for the true essence of mountain biking through every aspect of his life," his sponsor YT has said.
Fans and friends have taken to social media since his death to express their disbelief and heartfelt messages for him.
A memorial ride in Queenstown was held on Friday with a massive turnout to celebrate McGarry's life. Riders in Canada also gathered in the weekend as a tribute.
Another memorial is being planned in Wellington towards the end of the month.
Newshub.
