Heartbreak rippled through the East Midlands biking community this weekend as tributes poured in for Elaine and Graeme Winn, the Market Harborough couple killed in a tragic cable car accident near Naples, Italy.
The pair were among four people who lost their lives when a mountain cable car cabin at Monte Faito plummeted to the ground. Local authorities suspect a snapped support cable caused the fatal fall.
Elaine and Graeme had only just arrived in Italy for what was meant to be a dream holiday. Just days into their adventure, tragedy struck. News of their deaths has left loved ones and fellow motorcyclists stunned and grieving.
Bikers Gather to Honour Friends
On Sunday, the local biking community rallied outside the Black Horse pub in Foxton. Dozens of bikers, many of whom had shared the road with the Winns for years, gathered to pay heartfelt tribute.
Karina Mottley, visibly emotional, recalled their deep connection with fellow riders. “They were the founders of the club, so we spent most weeks and weekends together, riding bikes and doing social things,” she said.”They were literally the best people I think we’ve ever met really.”
She highlighted the couple’s impact across the region. “The biking community is such a close community… it’s just [had] a massive impact on all the clubs. Everybody knew of them, and everybody loved them.”
Don Moore, another close friend, shared how much biking meant to the couple. “They were a fantastic couple,” he said. “They Lived for Biking. Graeme had recently retired, and Elaine was cutting down her working days so she could do more biking and holidays.”
He added that the tragic timing made it all the more painful. “It’s such a tragedy to go in the way they have, on a holiday that they were dreaming of… You don’t expect to have a dream holiday and not come back.”
Elaine, who worked as a school business manager at Welland Park Academy, was known for her commitment and kindness.
Sarah Hix, a colleague for over a decade, said: “She threw herself into school life… You never think it’s going to be someone that you know.”
Andrew Shrive, a long-time riding companion, praised Elaine’s influence in the biking world. “Elaine had been a major influence on bringing more women into biking,” he said, noting Graeme had owned upwards of 45 bikes over his lifetime. “They’re the nicest couple that I’ve ever known.”
He described his shock upon hearing the news. “I heard that two Brits were killed, [and] I knew that Graeme and Elaine go over there… I just couldn’t believe it.”
Estelle Ambler, another friend, echoed the disbelief many are feeling. “We’d only seen them last week, and they were all excited for going away on their holiday,” she said.
“I’d been following them on social media – they looked like they were having the most amazing time. To hear what has happened to them is shocking and extremely sad.”
Elaine and Graeme Winn leave behind more than memories. They leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of a tight-knit biking community. Passionate, adventurous, and deeply loved, the couple will be remembered not only for their shared love of the open road but also for the warmth they brought into the lives of everyone they met.
As investigations into the cause of the cable car crash continue, friends and family back home will hold onto the joy the couple spread in their journeys, friendships, and tireless love for life.
