I've been talking to an English cycling pal of mine during the last couple of days and we were discussing who we thought was the best British cyclist.
My friend told me all about the exploits of Tom Simpson and Brian Robinson.
I've read about these guys and they definitely command a lot of respect.
For those of you who don't know of Tommy Simpson - TS was world champion in
1965, he won everything from classic races to stages races but is ultimately remembered for having died during the 1967 TDF on Mt Ventoux.
In a separate but curious way, I have met with members of Seamus Elliots family who spoke very eloquently and movingly about Tom (Seamus Elliot, although Irish, cycled with Tom Simpson and they would have helped each other in races as pros on the continent).
Brian Robinson was the first of the post WWII riders to make an impression on the Continent.
Other great British riders would include Brian Hoban, Robert Millar (Scotland),
Grham Jones, Sean Yates, Chris Boardman.
For me Robert Millar is the best British rider.
I think the mans record speaks for itself and he was in the 1980's a contender
for the TDF/Vuelta/Giro.
Who'd be your choice ?
My friend told me all about the exploits of Tom Simpson and Brian Robinson.
I've read about these guys and they definitely command a lot of respect.
For those of you who don't know of Tommy Simpson - TS was world champion in
1965, he won everything from classic races to stages races but is ultimately remembered for having died during the 1967 TDF on Mt Ventoux.
In a separate but curious way, I have met with members of Seamus Elliots family who spoke very eloquently and movingly about Tom (Seamus Elliot, although Irish, cycled with Tom Simpson and they would have helped each other in races as pros on the continent).
Brian Robinson was the first of the post WWII riders to make an impression on the Continent.
Other great British riders would include Brian Hoban, Robert Millar (Scotland),
Grham Jones, Sean Yates, Chris Boardman.
For me Robert Millar is the best British rider.
I think the mans record speaks for itself and he was in the 1980's a contender
for the TDF/Vuelta/Giro.
Who'd be your choice ?