Too Young To Be Grumpy

What a shame it is to find out about the death of Richard Burns today (via Random Acts of Reality). Richard was World Rally Champion in 2001 and in 2003 was diagnosed with a brain tumour, for which he was undergoing treatment during the last 2 years. Although he seemed to get better during 2004, he declined again and passed away yesterday at the age of 34.

It really brings life into perspective when a young, fit and healthy, top sportsman is suddenly diagnosed with something uncurable and dies. I also think it's a shame that Richard's death will surely go unnoticed by those not following Rallying, because of George Best's death, who quite frankly brought it on himself.

I always supported Colin McRae during Colin and Richard's frequent battles on the rally stages. Colin is flamboyant and daring, Richard was thoughtful and decisive. However, I'm convinced that has Richard still been driving he and Sebastian Loeb would be fighting it out between them; Richard was clearly going places, despite his unhappy time at Peugeot, and I would have loved to see him race again. I was certainly hoping for his return to the rallying arena, and alas I will miss that possibility.