Tributes flow for former Mt Molloy cop and mountain bike community leader

Mountain Biker Death

Bryan Littlely

Journalist

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Former Mt Molloy police officer and president of Cairns Mountain Bike Club, Frank Falappi died as a result of a crash at an event at Smithfiled Mountain Bike Park on Friday. Picture: Reef to Reef
Frank Falappi, 57, was a highly respected former Mount Molloy police officer. Picture: Queensland Police

A former police officer for the Mount Molloy community and one of the biggest drivers of the Far North Queensland mountain biking scene, Frank Falappi, is being remembered for his tireless work following his death on Friday, May 9, during a mountain bike event at Smithfield Mountain Bike Park.

Dozens of residents of Mount Molloy have joined the Cairns Mountain Bike community, the AusCycling family and Crankworx Cairns to pay tribute to Frank, a respected rider, volunteer, and beloved member of the Cairns Mountain Bike community.

Claire Mullins posted that Frank was "a truly fabulous policeman" and it was sad news for the Mount Molloy township, a sentiment shared by many others.

Faye Bardsley-Smith recognised Frank for his efforts with youth of the area while Suzie Baynton said he would always be remembered for his passion of mountain biking.

"He was a great policeman and even used Facebook to keep in touch with our community,'' added Lindsay Fisher.

A statement from AusCycling issued on Sunday said Frank passed away following an incident at Smithfield Mountain Bike Park, a place where he had spent countless hours contributing to the trails and fostering the local MTB scene.

“His passion for mountain biking, his generosity of spirit, and tireless support for the Cairns Mountain Bike community have left a lasting impact on the sport in Far North Queensland,’’ it said..

“Following consultation with those close to Frank, and members of the Cairns Mountain Bike Club, both the UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships and Crankworx Cairns will be proceeding as planned.

“We are working with the local community and those who knew Frank best to determine the best way to honour his legacy at these events.

“Like many sports, mountain biking is not without risk. We are, however, committed to the highest standards of safety to ensure that competitive and recreational riders, staff, volunteers and spectators remain safe.

“We thank the many community members, event staff, members of Frank’s local club and the Queensland Police for the care and support they’ve provided to all affected by this tragedy.’’

Frank was former Cairns Mountain Bike Club president and was one of two course managers for the stunning, diverse and challenging Reef to Reef trails.

“We have such a diverse and beautiful area to ride. I live in Mt Molloy now which is where stage three and four (and the Triple-R) are and we switch from rural cattle farms and within a blink of an eye, literally a blink of an eye, you ride down a trail and it turns into dense rainforest,’’ Frank said in 2018.

“This sort of stage racing is perfect because it really markets our region to those people who want an adventure and want to go and ride and enjoy what Tropical North Queensland has to offer,” he said.

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