Chapter 1 - A Moveable Feast

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1957 Tour de France winner Jacques Anquetil at the race finale in Paris's Parc des Princes. I was in the crowd.

Ray Booty was a time trial champion extraordinaire and a master of the discipline. He also claimed victory in the Commonwealth Games road race, showcasing his exceptional all-around cycling talent.

That’s me competing in the Bath Road '100'.

Ken Russell powers to a stage win in the 1952 Tour of Britain, paving the way for his ultimate triumph in the gruelling two-week race.

Jacques Anquetil‘s defining brilliance lay in his mastery of the time trial.

The iconic wheel-to-wheel battle between Jacques Anquetil and his great rival, Raymond Poulidor.

A former teammate of the author in the Yorkshire Road Club, Vin Denson played a pivotal role in the Jacques Anquetil story. One of Britain’s most reliable and successful professional riders receiving team orders during the Tour de France.

Anquetil’s legacy as a national hero is evident in the tribute at his grave.

Arthur Metcalfe was a true man for all season, often braving rain-soaked days like this one in his native Yorkshire.

Another great Yorkshire champion, Beryl Burton, in her element dominating the time trial.

Beryl in a different mood - at the start of the Spenco 500 in Texas.

Beryl's husband, Charlie, and daughter, Denise, pose in front of a striking mural of her in her hometown of Morley. This photo honours their immense dedication and support for Beryl throughout her career.

Olympic terror…

...and training

Left to right: 

Team Manager Michael Breckon, 

Track Coach Maurice Jefferies,

Road Team Coach Ian Brown.

Peter Procter found success on both two and four wheels! Here, he leads the peloton wearing his 1950s British team jersey.

Procter put his climbing ability to work in the British Pro Team BSA.

Left to Right,

Bob Maitland, Procter, Gordon Thomas, Gordon Newman and Stan Jones

The Canadian National Team, sponsored by Canadian Pacific Airlines, lines up at the legendary Athens Acropolis before the Tour of Greece.

On the road through the mountains of Greece. The teams masseur cools down the team leader. That’s me taking care of the other Canadian!

Canadian tandem sprint duo Harvey and Lovell were fierce contenders wherever they raced.

Barry Harvey leads the sprint, while World Champion Morelon looks slightly concerned about the competition ahead.

Canandian National Team:

Maurice Jefferies the track coach with Barry Harvey and Jocelyn Lovell who lead the team on the track.

The Montreal 6-Day race track was built overnight in one of the city's many ice hockey arenas. 

Picture Maurice Jefferies

Belgian Emille Severyns would bring the crowd to its feet with this electrifying attack on the track.

Picture Maurice Jefferies

Top team!  Fritz Pfenninger (Switzerland) and Peter Post (Holland) demonstrate how to change at top speed.

Photo Maurice Jefferies

Flat out in a sprint on Montreal’s steeply banked track (Peter Post leading Danish star Freddie Eugen.)

British rider Dave Bonner put on an impressive performance against the European stars.

Picture Maurice Jefferies

Liverpool's John Geddes gets a boost onto the track—courtesy of his entraîneur (that’s me!).

Ron Kitching in a pre-World War II time trial displaying the same stamina and determination that would later drive his success in the cycling industry.

The next three photographs are from the 1974 World Championships in Montreal.

The Danish pursuit team were an unstoppable force I dubbed The Killian Machine, in honour of their legendary coach, Gustaff Killian. Immaculate in form, they were simply unbeatable.

Picture Maurice Jefferies

This peloton shot offers a glimpse into the races intensity, the caliber of the riders, and the challenging route they faced.

Saving the best for last: Eddy Merckx, alone in the Pro Road Race, conquering a circuit I had a hand in designing. A fitting and satisfying conclusion to the 1974 World Championships.

Bradley reaches out for the Cup presented to the leading climber at the post-race reception.

Bradley does it again! The rest of the field struggles in his wake on a tough North Country climb.

Gentleman Jock.

Ian Cammish, time-trial champion supreme, broke road records (RRA) for Team Raleigh.

Brian Robinson at his peak, in the 

mountains during the Tour de France.

Brian Robinson, a proud father, with his daughter Louise at a mountain-bike race in which she was sponsored by Raleigh.