Cycle Racing Travel Insurance - JS Insurance Travel Insurance > Sports & Activities > Cycle Racing Travel Insurance Cycle Racing Travel Insurance Cycle Racing is widely considered one of the most dangerous form of Cycling due to the lack of protection in crashes with motor vehicles and the vulnerability to weather conditions. Safety equipment, such as cycling helmets, is designed to lessen the damage of impact collisions. First mostly popular in Western Europe, Cycle Racing has now gained popularity all over the world. There are several professional races held on an annual basis in numerous countries. Cycle Racing Travel Insurance also covers Amateur Competitions. To get a quote by telephone or email, contact us on 0800 047 5065 (FREE) or 01273 773 017 chris@jsinsurance.co.uk Bicycle Insurance JS Travel Insurance have partnered with Supercover Insurance Ltd to provide you with comprehensive and value for money Bicycle Insurance. If you require a quote for Bicycle Insurance, please contact us. Common Injuries whilst Cycle Racing Cycling injuries are either overuse injuries which develop over time due to repeated movement patterns, or traumatic injuries sustained after falling from your bike at high speed or a collision.

Knee pain is the most common area of complaint for cyclists due to overuse, poor technique or position. Anterior knee pain and patellofemoral pain syndrome are among the most common leg overuse injuries in cyclists. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is pain under or around the kneecap. Patellofemoral pain may happen due to frequent contact and rubbing of the kneecap on the thigh bone or when the kneecap is misaligned due to the repetitive motion of pedalling. Osteoarthritis of the knee is also common amongst cyclists; osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that results in gradual wear and tear of the joint cartilage, symptoms of Osteoarthritis include: Swelling, pain and a decrease in the range of motion. To avoid knee injuries, it is essential to have a proper racing saddle (which is narrow and rather hard) that is set up at the correct height. Neck and back pain is usually caused by staying in one riding position for too long and factors such as poor posture and incorrect body positioning whilst riding. If the bike frame is too long or your handlebars are too low the rider tends to hunch over which causes increased strain on the neck and back.

Saddle sores are an unavoidable nuisance while training for races and participating in races. They are causes by the repeatedly rubbing off the skin against the saddle, which cause abrasions and cuts. This is generally treated with ointments and pastes. Injuries that are caused by accidents, crashes and collisions at high speed may include: Broken bones Dislocated joints Cycle Racing Equipment A proper custom-made race bike is essential if you want to participate in cycle races and reduce the risk of injuries. When Training and Racing, a helmet can save your life. Additional equipment and clothing includes cycling shoes, jerseys and gloves. Popular Cycle Racing Events L'Etape du Tour: L'Etape du Tour is an organised amateur cycling race that takes place in July each year, usually held over mountainous roads in either the Pyrenees or French Alps. It attracts around 8,500 participants from all over the world and the event takes place on roads that are closed to the public/other traffic. Tour de France: The Tour de France is an annual multiple stage professional bicycle race that was first organised in 1903 to promote and increase sales for the magazine LAuto and is currently the worlds biggest annual sporting event.

The Tour de France is held in France in July of each year, while also passing through nearby countries. The tour lasts for 3 weeks and finishes in Paris. Over the years, as the race has gained popularity participation has extended from a predominantly French field to competitors taking part from all over the world. Giro d'Italia: Giro d'Italia, which translates to Tour of Italy, is a professional cycle race that has been held annually since it first began in 1909. Like the Tour de France, the tour was organised to increase sales of their national newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. When it first began, the competitors were mainly Italian, but as the race gained popularity it attracted cyclists from all over the world. The Giro d'Italia is held in May or early June each year and although the route changes every year, the format of the race is the same with a passage through the Alps and Dolomites and at least 2 time trials. Vuelta a Espaa: Translated to English Vuelta a Espaa means Tour of Spain.

Vuelta a Espaa is a professional cycle race that was first organised in 1935 due to the success of the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia, then held annually from 1955. The race takes place in September of each year and runs for 3 weeks. Like the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia, the race changes route each year. However, the format remains the same as there are always two individual time trials, a cycle through the Pyrenees mountain range and the finish in Madrid. Important Note: You are required at all times to wear the appropriate safety equipment, for example protective clothing and / or suitable head protection. Adventures Travel Insurance is arranged for Jade Stanley Limited through P J Hayman & Company Limited who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register number 497103). Registered office: Stansted House, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire PO9 6DX. Reg no. 2534965. Underwritten by White Horse Insurance Ireland Limited except End Supplier Failure which is provided by International Passenger Protection Limited.

Travel Insurance Toolkit Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme Secure data encryption Tour de France History – facts, jerseys and basics : The Good Life France Tour de France History – facts, jerseys and basics Written by The Good Life France on June 22, 2012 in Active Holidays The Tour de France is considered the greatest annual bicycle race in the world – for many it is the ultimate show of athletic endurance and it is watched by millions around the world. Held in France and nearby countries the race has kept audiences enthralled since 1903 with the exception of the war years when races were stopped. Not only does this race cover some 3,600km over a period of three weeks including routes up and down mountain roads, it is also held in the heat of summer which makes for a gruelling competition of supreme stamina and endurance. This only adds to the reputation of the Tour de France and it attracts riders and teams from all over the world. Tour de France History The idea of the Tour de France was borne of conflict, passion and rage in the early 1900s and has a chequered history.

At the time there were was one main sporting newspaper – L’Auto Vélo. A competitor to L’AutoVélo named Le Vélo was started as a result of sponsorship anger at L’Auto Vélo whose editor had published an article in another journal in favour of Albert Dreyfus – a French soldier accused of selling military secrets to the Germans. Dreyfus was from Alsace and Germany laid claim to the region. The Dreyfus affair as it was known, divided France into two camps – those who believed Dreyfus guilty and those who believed him innocent. The sponsor in question was firmly of the opinion that Dreyfus was in the wrong and he set up a new sporting newspaper – Le Vélo and forced l’Auto Vélo to have its named changed to L’Auto. Competition between the two papers was fierce and l’Auto quickly lost ground to its rival. Though now named l’Auto, its greatest news coverage was concerned with cycling and in order to survive it needed to do something drastic.

The idea for the greatest cycle ride in the world came in 1902 from Georges Lefèvre a journalist on L’Auto and fortunately he got backing from the editor Henri Desgranges. He wanted a cycle race that was harder, longer, bigger and better than anything that ever gone before. The first race in 1903 had 60 riders drawn to the 20,000 France first prize. Newspaper coverage took readers from village to mountain in its trek across France drawing admiration and amazement from French roadside audiences and readers. Georges Lefèvre followed the tour by rail, bus and bike – a lone reporter sending his missives back to Paris to be published. By the time the race ended in Paris, 20,000 fee paying spectators turned up, L’Auto’s circulation had gone through the roof – the race was a success. What of Dreyfus? He was later exonerated and given a full pardon by the state. Le Vélo, started as a protest against an article in favour of Dreyfus eventually went out of business unable to contend with the success of l’Auto and Le Tour de France.

In its early years the riders were predominantly French but within just ten years the race went international and has delighted audiences around the world. The initial days saw riders endure dirt track roads shared with other users, fixed gear bikes and as they didn’t know any better, drinking champagne, wine and smoking during down time was quite the norm. The race suffered from accusations of cheating, sabotage and violence. In 1905 an estimated 125kg of nails were thrown on the road during the first stage, resulting in just 15 riders reaching the finish line from more than sixty who had started. In 1910 the Tour suffered its first fatal casualty Adolphe Hélière was electrocuted by a jellyfish while bathing in Nice on the rest day held there. The Yellow Jersey of the Tour de France – what’s it all about? The Tour de France breaks down into day long sections known as stages and each individual participant has his finish time aggregated daily to determine the overall winner at the end of the day. The rider who has the lowest cumulative time to complete a stage gets to wear the Tour de France yellow jersey – the leader’s jersey – the next day.

Wearing the yellow jersey brings real kudos to a rider and team and the bright colour is easily visible to the crowds and the following cameras. As the riders whizz past the crowds, that visibility means that the rider can be picked out easily and the crowd will always recognise and acknowledge giving the rider an even further boost. The idea of the yellow jersey was down to Henri Desgrange who was the tour manager in 1919 – l’Auto was printed on yellow paper. The yellow jersey has since inspired songs, films and books and is hugely sought after by the riders. The other jerseys of the Tour de France: – The green jersey created in 1953 to recognise the best sprinter. The Tour de France green jersey rewards the rider who wins the race’s points competition. – The white jersey with red polka dots created in 1975 is awarded to the best climber; it is bestowed on the race’s ‘King of the Mountains’ (KOM), the rider who amasses the most points from the numerous categorized climbs throughout the race – The white jersey awarded since 1975 to the best young (under 26) rider.

It is given to the rider who completes the race in the lowest overall time. What route does the Tour de France take? The Tour de France route changes each year – but there are consistent themes: it will always take in mountain roads to test the stamina of the riders and it will always finish in the Champs-Élysées in Paris amidst much jubilation and fanfare. The official tour de France website publishes details of the route, stages and lots of features about the ride. The Basic Tour de France race details The race consists of day long stages; individual race times are aggregated to determine the overall winner. The rider with the lowest overall time wins the race. There are normally 20 teams competing (determined by the Tour de France organizers each year) and each team has nine riders. There are usually two rest days allowed to the riders.

Related Articles Tour de France 2017 2017 TOUR DE FRANCE: THE ROAD JUST GOT STEEPER Tuesday, October 18th The course of the 104th Tour de France (1-23 July, 2017), which was unveiled before an audience of almost 4,000 people at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, stands out for its atypical mountain... Read more Chris Froome: «Very curious to discover... Tuesday, October 18th The presentation of the route of the Tour de France immediately gives the favourites of the race an idea of the possible scenarios that they could expect next July. The mountain stages, boasting... Read more Imagine le tour: The visual for the 2017 Tour de... Tuesday, October 18th The 2017 Grande Boucle now has a face: that of a fan, provided by 20-year old Alexis Boulivet, a student in concept art. He has been named the grand winner of Imagine Le Tour, the first design... Read more The way to History Tuesday, October 18th In what order? Should we start by the Alps or by the Pyrenees?

At this period of the year, the questions often concern the way the course of the next Grande Boucle rotates. The Tour actually only... Read more Find out the route of the 2017 Tour de France live... Wednesday, October 12th It has passed by here, will it return again? The charms of the 2017 Tour de France will be revealed in 6 days. Its route, its mountains, its new horizons but also its new face! The official poster... Read more History of cycle sport and the British Cycling Federation | velouk.net History of cycle sport and the British Cycling Federation Jim Hendry MBE looks at the history of cycle sport and the British Cycling Federation Jim Hendry MBE was an English professional cyclist between 1966 and 1969 and began to coach in the 1960s before holding several voluntary management and coaching positions. He became British Cycling’s chief executive briefly in 1997 and was later general secretary. Hendry was made an MBE for his services to cycling in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2007.

1816 The first bicycle is invented by Baron Karl von Drais de Sauberbrun. Called a “Swiftwalker”, also known as a “Daisine” 1819 First documented “Swiftwalker” race in Germany 1839 First pedal powered bicycle is invented by Kirkpatrick MacMillan, a Scottish blacksmith. 1867 The first cycling club – The Liverpool Velocipede Club – is founded. 1868 – 31 May First documented cycle track race at St.Cloud in France is won by an English Doctor, James Moore, of Bury St. Edmunds, over 1200 m. with Drouet 2nd and Polocini 3rd. 1868 First GB cycle track is built in cement – The Putney Velodrome, London 1869 – 7 November First documented cycle road race is held from Paris to Rouen and is won by Dr. James Moore covering the 123 km in 10 hrs 25 min 1870 – 22 June The Pickwick Bicycle club is founded.

1871 “The Bicyclist”, Britain’s first cycling magazine is published 1873 Four members of the Middlesex BC ride from London to John O’Groats in 14 days 1878 – 16 February First governing body for British cycle sport is formed – The Bicycle Union 1878 – 11 May First National Championship is held at Stamford Bridge. 2 miles won by Ion Keith-Falconer in 6m. 29s. 25 miles won by A A Weir in 1h 27m 44.4s 1878 First British 6 day race is held at Islington and won by Mr Carns who covered 1060 miles. 1879 Anfield Bicycle Club is founded 1880 Two cyclists ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 12 days 12 hours and 30 minutes.

1882 The Tricycle Association amalgamates with the Bicycle Union 1883 The Bicycle Union changes its name to the National Cyclists’ Union 1885 North Road Cycling Club is founded 1888 First all-women cycling club is formed in Washington DC (USA) 1888 Annie Londonderry becomes the first woman to cycle around the World 1888 – 11 April The Road Records Association is formed to authenticate place to place road records in Britain. 1888 The Dunlop Tyre is invented by John Boyd Dunlop. The Police set a 12 m.p.h. speed limit for cycles. 1889 Scottish Cyclists’ Union founded 1891 – 23 January Cycling Magazine is founded by Edmund Dangerfield. Price one penny. Editor was Charles Sisley (Catford CC) 1891 George Pilkington Mills wins the first Bordeaux – Paris Road Race of 572 km. The event was human paced in 26h 34m 57s.

Monty Holbein was second, and S Edge 3rd 1891 – 16 April First meeting at Herne Hill Track. 547.355 m. 1892 – 24 November The International Cycling Association is formed at the Agricultural Hall, Islington. Founder members were Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Holland and USA. 1893 First World Championships are held in Chicago – No GB riders took part.. Americans win 8 of the 9 medals 1893 First World Hour Record established by Henri Desrange with 35.325 km. 1894 Jack Green is Britain’s first World Championship medal winner with Silver in the 10 km 1895 Jimmy Michael of Wales (18) becomes Britain’s first World Champion, winning the human paced event at 18 years of age 1896 British riders win 2 Golds and 2 Silvers at the Copenhagen Worlds. 1896 Frank Keeping wins Bronze in the 12 hour at the Athens Olympics 1896 First Olympic Road Race is held as an individual time trial.

Frederick Battel wins Bronze for GB 1896 Crystal Palace Track opens.. 536 m. Closed in 1909. 1896 Arthur Linton wins the Bordeaux – Paris Road Race 1897 The World Championships are held in Britain (Celtic Park, Glasgow) for the first time. British riders win 2 Gold, 3 Silver and 1 Bronze 1898 British riders win 2 Golds and a Bronze at the Worlds in Vienna 1899 British riders win 2 Golds at the Montreal Worlds 1900 – 14 April The Union Cycliste Internationale is formed in Paris. The founder members were Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland and USA. They had become fed up with British dominance of the ICA and were quickly joined by other countries. 1900 Edward Taylor wins a Silver at the Paris Worlds 1900 William Johnson wins the Paris Olympics 603 metre Time Trial to become the first British Olympic Gold medal winner 1902 – December After being left in the wilderness, Britain dissolved the ICA and joined the UCI.

1902 Britain wins 1 Bronze at the Rome Worlds 1903 First Tour de France is held and won by Maurice Garin of France 1903 First Good Friday Meeting held at Herne Hill Track 1903 Arthur Reed and Jim Benyon take 1st & 2nd in the Copenhagen Amateur Worlds. Event was re-run in London by UCI 1904 Arthur Reed and Jim Benyon win Silver & Bronze in the Crystal Palace Worlds. Leon Meredith, William Petit and George Olley take 1,2,3 in the 100 km Amateur Motor Pace event. 1905 Jim Benyon & H Buck take 1,2 in the Amateur Sprint and Leon Meredith wins the Amateur Paced event at the Antwerp Worlds 1906 British riders take 2 Gold and 3 Silver at the Athens Olympics 1907 Leon Meredith wins Gold in the Worlds Amateur Motor Pace in Paris 1908 Olympic Games held in England.

Shepherds Bush Track –603.5 metres Britain wins 5 Golds, 3 Silvers and 1 Bronze 1908 British riders win 2 Golds and 1 Silver at the Leipzig Amateur Worlds 1909 The first Tour of Italy is held and won by Luigi Ganna 1909 Bill Bailey (Sprint) and Leon Meredith(Motor Pace) win Gold at World Amateur Champs in Denmark 1910 Bill Bailey wins Gold in the Sprint and Bronze in the Motor Pace at the Brussels Worlds 1911 Bill Bailey (Sprint) and Leon Meredith(Motor Pace) win Golds at the World Amateur Champs in Brussels 1912 Freddie Grubb wins Silver in the Stockholm Olympic Road Time Trial and with Bill Hammond, Leon Meredith and Charles Moss also win the Team Silver 1913 Bill Bailey (Sprint) and Leon Meredith(Motor Pace) win Gold at the World Amateur Champs in Berlin 1919 Yellow Jersey was introduced in the Tour de France and first held by Eugene Christophe.

1920 Britain win 1 Gold, 3 Silver and a Bronze in the Antwerp Olympics 1920 Horace Johnson (2nd Amateur Sprint) and Bill Bailey (3rd Pro Sprint) win medals at the Antwerp Worlds 1921 Meriden Cyclists’ War Memorial unveiled. 20,000 cyclists attended. 1921 Charlie Davey wins Bronze in the Road Time Trial at the Copenhagen Worlds 1922 The World Championships are held at New Brighton, England, but completed in Paris due to bad weather. Horace Johnson wins the Amateur sprint with W Ormston 3rd. The Road Time Trial was held near Shrewsbury.

And GB took 1,2,3 and the Team Gold with Dave Marsh, Charles Burkhill and Charlie Davey 1922 The Road Racing Council is formed to control time trialling in Britain 1924 Cyril Alden and Harry Wyld win Silver and Bronze in the 50 km event at the Paris Olympics 1924 Herbert Fuller wins Bronze in the Amateur Sprint at the Paris Worlds 1928 Ernie Chambers and Jack Sibbit win Silver in the Tandem Sprint and Monty Southall, Harry Arthur and Percy Wyld win Bronze in the Team Pursuit at the Amsterdam Olympics.

In the road events Frank Southall took Silver and GB win the Team Silver with Frank Southall, Jack Lauterwasser and Jack Middleton 1929 Syd Cozens wins Silver in the Amateur Sprint Worlds in Zurich 1930 Cycling Magazine launched the British Best All Rounder time trial competition 1930 Syd Cozens wins Silver in the Amateur Sprint Worlds in Brussels 1932 Golden Book of Cycling is established 1932 Ernie and Stan Chambers win Silver in the Tandem Sprint and Bill Harvell, Charlie Holland, Ernie Johnson and Frank Southall win Bronze in the Team Pursuit at the Los Angeles Olympics 1932 Cycling Magazine averaged sales of 64,762 a new record 1933 First modern style road race in Britain took place at Brooklands. 62 miles in 2h 55m 53s. Jack Salt (Liverpool) 1934 The National Cyclists Union becomes an incorporated body 1934 Cycling included in the Empire (Commonwealth) Games. Held at Fallowfield.

England win 1 Gold & 1 Bronze 1934 – 4 October The Women’s Road Records Association is formed 1934 Charlie Holland wins Bronze in the Amateur Road Race at the Leipzig Worlds 1934 Alo Donegan the first rider to beat the hour for 25 miles with 59.05 in Ireland 1935 First Tour of Spain is held and won by Gustav Deloor of Belgium 1936 First mass start road race included in the Olympic Games. 1936 NCU permits road racing on closed circuits 1936 Harry Hill, Ernie Johnson, Charles King and Ernie Mills win Bronze in the Team Pursuit at the Berlin Olympics 1936 The first Isle of Man International is held and the winner is Charlie Holland 1937 – 13 January The Road Racing Council changes its name to the Road Time Trials Council 1938 First British National Road Race Championship is held at Donnington Park. Won by Jack Holmes. 1938 Empire Games held in Sydney, Australia.

Home Nations win 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze medals 1939 Ralph Dougherty becomes the first rider to beat the hour for 25 miles on English roads 1941 – 18 November The Pedal Club is formed as a London Cyclists’ Luncheon Club 1942 – 7 June Percy Stallard promotes the first massed start race on Britain’s public roads from Llangollen to Wolverhampton. The race is won by Albert Price, Wolverhampton RCC from Cecil Anslow and Jack Holmes. 59 miles in 2h 20m 1942 – 15 November The British League of Racing Cyclists is formed to promote road racing on public roads. 1942 NCU takes over responsibility for the running of Herne Hill Track in London. 1943 Veterans Time Trial Association is formed. Minimum age set at 40. 1943 – 12 June First massed start on closed public roads held on Cumbrae. Won by Alex Hendry, Glasgow Wh.

42 miles in 2.48.10 1943 The first Tour of the Peak is won by Ernie Clements 1945 BLRC promotes the Brighton – Glasgow stage race. 1945 – 23 June First meeting at the Herne Hill Track under the ownership of the NCU. 1947 First Paris –London stage race is won by George Fleming. 1947 George Fleming the first Englishman to break 2 hours for a 50 mile time trial 1947 Reg Harris wins Amateur Sprint Gold in the Paris Worlds 1948 Olympic Games held in London. Reg Harris wins Sprint Silver and with Alan Bannister the Tandem Silver. Tommy Godwin wins Bronze in the Kilo and with Alan Geldard, Dave Ricketts and Wilf Waters Bronze in the Team Pursuit. Bob Maitland, Ian Scott and Gordon Thomas win the Road Race Team Silver 1948 Reg Harris wins Amateur Sprint Bronze in the Amsterdam Worlds 1948 UCI decided to only recognise records in metric distances..

BCF recognised both until going metric in 1968 1948 The first \tour of the Cotswolds is won by Ken Russell 1949 Reg Harris wins the Pro Sprint Gold and Cyril Cartwright the Amateur Pursuit Silver in the Copenhagen Worlds 1950 First Cyclo Cross World Championship held in Paris 1950 Reg Harris wins the Pro Sprint Gold in the Rocourt Worlds 1950 Empire Games held in Auckland New Zealand. Home Nations win 1 Gold and 1 Bronze medal 1951 Reg Harris wins the Pro Sprint Gold in the Milan Worlds 1951 First Tour of Britain is held and won by Scotsman Ian Steel. Professional riders 1951 – 9 June First London – Holyhead road race run by Percy Stallard for the BLRC. Distance was 267 miles and 35 riders were on the starting list and the winner is Les Scales. 1952 The Warsaw-Berlin-Prague Peace Race is won by Scotsman Ian Steel. 1952 – July First NCU road race on open roads was promoted.

1952 Don Burgess, George Newberry, Alan Newton, Ron Stretton win Team Pursuit Bronze in the Helsinki Olympics 1952 The Tour of Britain is won by Ken Russell (Pro) 1952 Cyril Peacock wins Bronze in the Paris Worlds 1953 The British Cyclo Cross Association is formed to control cyclo-cross 1953 Reg Harris wins the Pro Sprint Bronze in the Zurich Worlds 1953 The Tour of Britain is won by Gordon Thomas (Pro) 1954 Reg Harris wins the Pro Sprint Gold, Cyril Peacock wins the Amateur Sprint, Peter Brotherton wins Silver and Norman Sheil Bronze in the Amateur Individual Pursuit and Joe Bunker wins Bronze in the Amateur Motor Pace in the Cologne Worlds 1954 Empire Games held in Vancouver, Canada. Home Nations win 3 Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze medals 1954 The Tour of Britain is won by Eugene Tamburlini of France (Pro). The Amateur Version is won by Viv Bailes.

1954 The first Grand Prix of Essex is won by Derek Evans 1955 Norman Sheil Gold and Peter Brotherton Silver in the Amateur Pursuit at the Milan Worlds 1955 The Tour of Britain is won by Tony Hewson (Pro). The Amateur Version is won by Des Robinson. 1956 Alan Jackson wins Bronze in the Road Race and Team Silver with Billy Holmes and Stan Brittain. On the track Don Burgess, Mike Gambrill, John Geddes, Tom Simpson win Bronze in the Team Pursuit at the Melbourne Olympics 1956 Reg Harris wins Silver in the Pro Sprint and John Geddes wins Bronze in the Amateur Pursuit at the Copenhagen Worlds 1956 The Tour of Britain is won by Dick McNeill (Amateur) 1956 The first Archer Grand Prix is won by Alf Howling 1956 The first Lincoln Grand Prix is won by Bob Eastwood 1958 The Tour of Britain was sponsored by the Milk Marketing Board for the first time and won by Richard Durlacher of Austria. The event will now be know as the Milk Race Tour of Britain.

1958 Brian Robinson became the first British rider to win a stage of the Tour de France Stage 7 1958 First World Championships for women were held in Paris. Stella Ball wins Silver and Kay Ray Bronze in the Pursuit and Jean Dunn wins Bronze in the Sprint. Norman Sheil wins Gold in the Amateur Pursuit 1958 The 6th Commonwealth Games were held in Cardiff Home Nations win 3 Gold, 2 Silver and 3 Bronze medals 1959 – 1 February The British Cycling Federation was formed through the amalgamation of the National Cyclists Union and the British League of Racing Cyclists.. The first officials appointed were:-President – Eddie Lawton; Hon Secretary – Geoff T Bassett; Treasurer – R Smith; F & M –Ken Wells, A Dixon, George Taylor, & Eddie Lawton (all BLRC) and Edward Chippendale, R Taylor, John Penn, C Darwent (NCU); Racing Committee- Chas Messenger, B Cox, Norman Shelmerdine, A Foster (BLRC) and Benny Foster, Peter Itter, Bill McCormack and R Taylor (NCU).

UCI Delegates – Eddie Lawton, Chas Messenger, Peter Itter and R Taylor plus Arthur Campbell (SCU) 1959 Beryl Burton wins Pursuit Gold and Jean Dunn Sprint Bronze in the Rocourt Worlds. 1959 Bill Bradley wins the Milk Race 1959 Brian Robinson wins stage 20 of the Tour de France 1960 – 30 January First Annual General Meeting of the BCF National Council. 1960 Bill Bradley wins the Milk Race 1960 Beryl Burton wins Gold in the Pursuit and the Road Race.

Jean Dunn Silver in the Sprint and Dave Handley wins Bronze in the Amateur Sprint at the Leipzig Worlds 1961 Beryl Burton wins Silver in the Pursuit and the Road Race and Jean Dunn Bronze in the Sprint at the Women’s Worlds in the Isle of Man 1961 Billy Holmes wins the Milk Race 1961 Tom Simpson wins the Tour of Flanders 1962 The Milk Race is won by Eugeniusz Pokorny of Poland 1962 Beryl Burton wins Gold in the Pursuit and Jean Dunn Bronze in the Sprint at the Milan Worlds 1962 Mike Parkins wins the World Cycle Speedway Champs in Edinburgh 1962 Commonwealth Games held in Perth, Australia. Home Nations win 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 3 Bronze medals 1962 The first Eddie Soens Race is won by Bruce O’Prey 1963 Pete Chisman wins the Milk Race 1963 Beryl Burton wins Gold in the Pursuit and Hugh Porter wins Bronze in the Amateur Pursuit at the Rocourt Worlds 1964 – January First BCF Part Time National Coach appointed – Tommy Godwin.

Resigned in November 1964 Beryl Burton wins Silver in the Pursuit at the Paris Worlds 1964 Arthur Metcalfe wins the Milk Race 1964 The first Perfs Pedal Race is won by Tony Mills 1965 – March First BCF full time National Coach appointed – Norman Sheil appointed. 1965 Michael Wright wins stage 20 of the Tour de France 1965 Les West wins the Milk Race 1965 Tom Simpson became the first British rider to win the World Professional Road Race Championship 1966 English Schools Cycling Association was formed. 1966 Beryl Burton wins Gold in the Pursuit at the Frankfurt Worlds. Les West wins Silver in the Amateur Road Race held at the Nurburgring 1966 Josef Gawliczec of Poland wins the Milk Race 1966 Commonwealth Games held in Kingston, Jamaica.

Home Nations win 3 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze medals 1967 Crash hats became compulsory for BCF closed circuit events 1967 Les West wins the Milk Race 1967 – 13 July Tom Simpson dies on Mont Ventoux during the 12th stage of the Tour de France 1967 Barry Hoban wins the 14th stage of the Tour de France as a tribute to Tom Simpson. Michael Wright wins stage 7 1967 Beryl Burton wins Gold in the Road Race and Graham Webb Gold in the Amateur Road Race at Heerlen and Hugh Porter wins Silver in the Pro Pursuit and Beryl Burton wins Bronze in the Pursuit at the Amsterdam Worlds 1968 Hugh Porter wins the first of his four World Professional Individual Pursuit Titles and Beryl Burton wins Silver in the Pursuit at the Rome Worlds.

1968 Barry Hoban wins stage 18 of the Tour de France 1968 Gosta Pettersson wins the Milk Race 1968 The first Girvan stage race is won by Ronnie Boa 1969 Hugh Porter wins Silver in the Pro Pursuit at the Antwerp Worlds, Bernadette Swinnerton wins Silver in the Women’s Road Race held in Brno. 1969 Barry Hoban wins stages 18 and 19 of the Tour de France 1969 Fedor Den Hertog of Holland wins the Milk Race 1970 The 9th Commonwealth Games were held in Edinburgh. Home Nations win 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medal 1970 The World Road and Track Championships were held at Leicester. Hugh Porter wins the Pro Pursuit, Ian Hallam wins Silver in the Amateur Pursuit and Beryl Burton Bronze in the Pursuit.

Les West was 4th in the Pro Road Race 1970 Jiri Mainus of Czechoslovakia wins the Milk Race 1971 Hugh Porter wins Bronze in the Pro Pursuit and Beryl Burton Bronze in the Pursuit at the Varese Worlds 1971 Fedor Den Hertog of Holland wins the Milk Race 1972 British Cycling Coaching Scheme was formed, later to become the Association of British Cycling Coaches. 1972 Hugh Porter wins Gold in the Pro Pursuit at the Marseilles Worlds 1972 Hennie Kuiper of Holland wins the Milk Race 1973 Crash hats became compulsory for BCF road events as well as closed circuit and track racing 1973 Piet Van Katwjk of Holland wins the Milk Race 1972 Mick Bennett, Ian Hallam, Ron Keeble, Willi Moore win Bronze in the Team Pursuit at the Munich Olympics 1973 The World Cyclo Cross Championships are held at Crystal Palace, London 1973 First Junior World (road and track) Championships are held in West Germany, although originally billed as the European Championships.

1973 Hugh Porter wins the Pro Pursuit and Mick Bennett, Rik Evans, Ian Hallam, Willi Moore Silver in the Team Pursuit and Beryl Burton wins a Bronze in the Pursuit at the San Sebastian Worlds 1973 Barry Hoban wins stages 11 and 19 of the Tour de France Michael Wright wins stage 10 1974 New full time National Coach appointed – Tom Pinnington. 1974 Barry Hoban wins stage 13 of the Tour de France 1974 Commonwealth Games held in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Home Nations win 4 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze medals 1974 Roy Schuiten of Holland wins the Milk Race 1975 – June First purpose built road cycling circuit opened at Eastway in East London 1975 Denise Burton wins Bronze in the Pursuit at the Rocourt Worlds 1975 Barry Hoban wins stage 8 of the Tour de France 1975 Bernt Johansson of Sweden wins the Milk Race 1976 Ian Banbury, Mick Bennett, Robin Croker, Ian Hallam win Bronze at the Montreal Olympics 1976 Bill Nickson wins the Milk Race. The first British winner for 9 years 1977 Steve Heffernan wins Bronze in the Pro Pursuit at the Venezuela Worlds 1977 Sergei Gusseinov of Russia wins the Milk Race to begin 10 years of foreign domination mainly by Eastern Block riders. 1978 Robert Millar wins the British Amateur Road Race Champs at 19 years of age. 1978 Commonwealth Games held in Edmonton, Canada.

Home Nations win 2Silver and 2 Bronze medals 1978 Jan Brezny of Poland wins the Milk Race. Johan Van Der Velde of Holland wins the Pro Tour of Britain 1979 – August First full time BCF Director of Racing (National Coach) appointed – Jim Hendry 1979 Yuri Kasharin of the USSR wins the Milk Race. 1980 Tony Doyle wins the Pro Pursuit Championship at the Besancon Worlds. Mandy Jones wins Bronze in the Road Race at Sallanches 1980 The British team pursuit team of Piers Hewitt, Tony Mayer, Gary Sadler and Darryl Webster win Bronze to take our first ever medal in the World Junior Championships in Mexico 1980 Ivan Mitchtenko of the USSR wins the Milk Race 1981 BCF HQ moved from Brompton Road, London to Upper Woburn Place, London 1981 Phil Pilbrow wins the World Cycle Speedway Champs in Australia 1981 Sergei Krivocheev of the USSR wins the Milk Race 1982 – 23 Aug to 5 Sept.

The World Road and Track Championships were held at Leicester and Goodwood. Mandy Jones wins the Women’s Road Race 1982 The 12th Commonwealth Games were held in Brisbane Australia. England win the Road Race (Malcolm Elliott) and the newly introduced 100 km Team Time Trial (Bob Downs, Malcolm Elliott, Steve Lawrence, Joe Waugh). Home Nations win 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze medals 1982 Yuri Kasharin of the USSR wins the Milk Race. 1982 The first Jock Wadley Memorial Race is won by Mick Ford 1983 The World Cyclo Cross Championships were held at Sutton Park, Birmingham 1983 Rob Muzio wins Bronze in the Points race at the Junior World in New Zealand. The first GB individual medallist 1983 Robert Millar wins stage 10 of the Tour de France 1983 Matt Eaton of the USA wins the Milk Race 1984 Scot Robert Millar becomes the highest British Tour de France finisher in 4th place & KOM.

Wins stage 11 1984 Tony Doyle wins Silver in the Pro Pursuit at the Barcelona Worlds 1984 Oleg Czougeda of the USSR wins the Milk Race. 1984 Women were included in the Olympic cycling events for the first time. This was mainly due to the sterling efforts of former BCF President Eileen Gray. 1985 Tony Doyle wins Silver in the Pro Pursuit at the Bassano del Grappa Worlds 1985 Jim Varnish wins the World Cycle Speedway Champs in Australia 1985 Eric Van Lanker of Belgium wins the Milk Race 1986 Stuart Marshall becomes the first British rider to win a World Cyclo Cross Title with the Junior Championship. 1986 The 13th Commonwealth Games are held in Edinburgh. Home Nations win 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze medals 1986 Tony Doyle wins Gold in the Pro Pursuit at the Colorado Springs Worlds 1986 Robert Millar is 2nd in the Tour of Spain.

The best ever finish for a GB rider 1986 Joey McLoughlin of ANC GB wins the Milk Race which is open to Professional riders 1987 New National Coach appointed – Doug Dailey 1987 Tony Doyle wins Bronze in the Pro Pursuit and Silver in the Pro Points at the Vienna Worlds 1987 Martin Hepworth wins the World Cycle Speedway Champs in Norwich 1987 Malcolm Elliott of ANC GB wins the Milk Race. Joey McLoughlin wins the Pro Tour of Britain 1988 May BCF HQ moves to Rockingham Road, Kettering, with Jim Hendry appointed the first Chief Executive 1988 Sean Yates wins stage 6 of the Tour de France 1988 Ray Oliver wins the World Cycle Speedway Champs in Australia 1988 Vasily Zhdanov of the USSR wins the Milk Race.

Malcolm Elliott wins the Pro Tour of Britain 1988 Sally Hodge wins Women’s Points Demonstration Race & Tony Doyle Silver in the Pro Pursuit at the Ghent Worlds 1989 The Women’s Road Records Association amalgamates with the Road Records Association 1989 Brian Walton of Canada wins the Milk Race. Robert Millar wins the Pro Tour of Britain 1989 Malcolm Elliott wins the Points Jersey and one stage of the Tour of Spain 1989 Colin Sturgess wins the Pro Pursuit At the Lyons Worlds 1989 Robert Millar wins stage 10 of the Tour de France 1990 The World Junior Road and Track Championships are held in Middlesbrough 1990 Robert Millar wins the Dauphine Libere stage race in France 1990 Commonwealth Games held in Auckland, New Zealand. Home Nations win 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 3 Bronze medals Women are included in the Commonwealth Games cycling events for the first time 1990 Shane Sutton of Australia wins the Milk Race.

Michel Dernies of Belgium wins the Pro Tour of Britain 1990 The World Junior Championships were held at Middlesbrough, Cleveland 1991 Shaun Wallace is 2nd and Colin Sturgess third in the Pro Pursuit at the Stuttgart Worlds 1991 Sally Dawes wins Silver in the Road Race at the Colorado Springs Junior Worlds 1991 Chris Walker wins the Milk Race. Phil Anderson wins the Pro Tour of Britain 1991 Tim Gould wins 2 rounds of the inaugural World Cup XC MTB Series 1991 Dave Helmsley wins the World Cycle Speedway Champs in Essex and Andrew Jackson takes the Junior title. England win the Team Champs 1992 The World Cyclo Cross Championships are held at Leeds. Roger Hammond wins the Junior Championship. 1992 Shaun Wallace wins Silver in the Pro Pursuit at the Valencia Worlds 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Chris Boardman wins the Individual Pursuit Gold, the first British Gold for 70 years. 1992 Connor Henry of Ireland wins the Milk Race.

Max Sciandri of Italy wins the Pro Tour of Britain 1992 Hard shell crash hats become compulsory for all BCF road, track and MTB events. 1993 – June The Milk Marketing Board ends its sponsorship of the Tour of Britain. Chris Lillywhite wins the Milk Race. Phil Anderson wins the Pro Tour of Britain 1993 BCF National Track Championships becomes open to professional and amateur cyclists.

1993 – Graeme Obree sets the World Hour record at 51.596km in Hamar, Norway 1993 Graeme Obree wins Gold and Chris Boardman Bronze in the Pro Pursuit at the Hamar, Norway Worlds 1993 – 23 July Chris Boardman sets the World Hour record at 52.270km in Bordeaux, France 1993 David Baker wins the Plymouth round of the World Cup XC MTB Series 1993 England win the World Cycle Speedway Team Champs in Australia 1993 – Oct BCCA appoints Brian Furness as the first paid official 1994 Cycling for riders with a disability becomes fully integrated within the BCF 1994 Commonwealth Games held in Victoria, Canada. Home Nations win 1 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze medals. Games are open to both professional and amateur cyclists.

1994 National Cycling Centre, Manchester opened by Princess Anne 1994 Chris Boardman wins the Prologue Time Trial of the Tour de France 1994 Chris Boardman wins Golds in the Pro Pursuit and the Pro Road Time Trial at the Palermo Worlds 1994 Gary Foorde wins the Mammoth Mountain round of the World Cup XC MTB Series 1994 Maurizio Fondriest of Italy wins the Pro Tour of Britain. Kelloggs withdraw from sponsorship. 1994 – November BCF HQ moves to the National Cycling Centre, Manchester 1995 Graeme Obree wins Gold in the Pro Pursuit at the Bogota Worlds 1995 Megan Hughes wins Bronze in the Sprint at the Junior Worlds in San Marino 1995 Max Sciandri wins stage 11 of the Tour de France 1995 Shaun Ellis wins the World Junior Cycle Speedway Champs at Poole 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games open to both professional and amateur cyclists. Max Sciandri (Road Race) and Chris Boardman (Time Trial) win Bronze medals.

1996 BCF Road Championships open to both professional and amateur cyclists 1996 Mountain Biking (BMBF) becomes fully integrated within the BCF. 1996 Cross Country Mountain Biking is included in the Olympic programme for the first time. 1996 Chris Boardman wins Silver in the Road Time Trial at the Lugano Worlds 1996 – Sept The World Track Championships are held at Manchester. Chris Boardman wins the Men’s Pursuit with a new World Record time. 4m 11.114s 1996 Chris Boardman sets the World Hour record at 56.375km in Manchester 1996 Peter King appointed Chief Executive with Jim Hendry appointed General Secretary. 1996 Rob Warner becomes the first British rider to win a World Cup downhill race 1996 Beryl Burton dies whilst cycling. Aged 59 1996 Brighton hosts the World BMX Title series. Titles are won by Dale Holmes (Elite Men) Scott Beaumont (Junior Cruiser) and Jamie Staff (Elite Cruiser) 1997 1 January BMX sport becomes fully integrated into the BCF.

1997 Start of the Lottery funded World Class Performance Programme and Peter Keen appointed as Director. 1997 Chris Boardman wins the Prologue Time Trial of the Tour de France 1997 Yvonne McGregor wins Bronze in the Pursuit at the Perth Worlds 1997 England win the Cycle Speedway World Team Cup in Australia 1997 – 18 October Yvonne McGregor sets the World Hour record at 470608km in Manchester 1997 Chris Boardman wins Bronze in the Road Time Trial at the San Sebastian Worlds 1997 Caroline Alexander becomes the first British rider to win a World Cup XC MTB event. 1998 Bradley Wiggins wins the World Junior Pursuit Championship in Cuba. 1998 Chris Boardman wins the Prologue Time Trial of the Tour de France 1998 The Tour of Britain is promoted and sponsored by the Prudential. Stuart O’Grady of Australia wins 1998 Commonwealth Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Home Nations win 4 Silver and 2 Bronze medals 1999 Chris Hoy, Craig MacLean, Jason Queally win Silver at the Berlin Worlds 1999 Chris Boardman wins Bronze in the Road Time Trial at the Treviso Worlds 1999 The Pru Tour, Tour of Britain is won by Marc Wauters of Belgium. Prudential withdraw their sponsorship after two years. 2000 UCI decide to go back to basic bike design for the World Hour Record. Chris Boardman’s previous is accepted as a best distance. But the World Record was reinstated as that set by Eddie Merckx in Mexico in 1972 at 49.331km 2000 David Millar wins the Prologue Time Trial of the Tour de France 2000 The Sydney Olympic Games gives the best British performances for many years.

Jason Queally (Kilo Gold); Jason Queally, Chris Hoy and Craig McLean (Olympic Sprint Silver); Yvonne McGregor (Women’s Pursuit Bronze); Paul Manning, Chris Newton, Bryan Steel, Bradley Wiggins, Rob Hayles and Jon Clay (Team Pursuit Bronze) 2000 Nichole Cooke wins the Junior Women’s World Road Race Championship in Plouay, France 2000 Chris Boardman takes the new “Athlete’s World Hour Record” in Manchester with 49.441 km, beating the old record of Eddie Merckx by 11 metres. Gear used was 54×13 2000 The World Track Championships are held at Manchester. Yvonne McGregor wins the Women’s Pursuit, Jason Queally Bronze in the Kilo, Chris Hoy, Craig MacLean, Jason Queally Silver in the Team Sprint, Paul Manning, Chris Newton, Brian Steel, Bradley Wiggins Silver in the Team Pursuit, Rob Hayles Bronze in the Pursuit 2001 Nichole Cooke wins the Junior Women’s Road Race and Time Trial and David Millar wins Silver in the Road Time Trial at the Lisbon Worlds.

2001 Steve Cummings, Chris Newton, Paul Manning, Bryan Steel win Silver in the Team Pursuit, Chris Hoy, Craig MacLean, Jason Queally win Bronze in the Team Sprint at the Antwerp worlds 2001 Dale Holmes wins the World BMX Championship 2001 Dave Hemsley wins his 2nd World Cycle Speedway Championship in Australia. Shaun Woodhouse takes the Junior Title 2002 The 17th Commonwealth Games are held in Manchester, The Home Nations win 2 Gold, 6 Silver. 6 Bronze medals. 2002 Cross Country Mountain Biking is included in the Commonwealth Games for the first time.

2002 The World Track Championships give Great Britain arguably the best ever set of performances with Chris Hoy (Gold in the kilo), Chris Hoy, Craig MacLean and Jamie Staff (Gold in the Team Sprint) Chris Newton (Gold in the Points Race), Tony Gibb (Silver in the Scratch Race) and Paul Manning, Chris Newton, Bradley Wiggins, Steve Cumming and Bryan Steel (Bronze in the Team Pursuit) 2002 David Millar wins stage 13 of the Tour de France 2002 Road Time Trials Council changes its name to Cycling Time Trials. 2002 British Cycling launches its first Website and online calendar 2002 Steve Peat wins the World Cup Downhill Series Cup 2003 Bradley Wiggins wins the Pursuit, and with Rob Hayles, Paul Manning, Brian Steel, Silver in the Team Pursuit, Chris Hoy, Craig McLean, Jamie Staff Bronze in the Team Sprint at the Stuttgart Worlds. 2003 David Millar wins stage 19 of the Tour de France 2003 David Millar wins the Elite Time Trial Championship in Hamilton Canada, but is later disqualified for having admitted to using EPO.

Nicole Cooke wins Bronze in the Women’s Road Race 2003 Nicole Cooke wins the Women’s World Cup Road Race Series 2003 Dave Hemsley wins his 3rd World Cycle Speedway Championship in Bury and England win the Team Cup 2003 David Brailsford appointed as Director of the World Class Performance Programme 2004 The GB Team has another set good excellent performances at the World Track Championships in Melbourne. Chris Hoy wins the Kilometre Gold, Jamie Staff Gold in the Keirin, along with Craig Maclean the Bronze in the Team Sprint. Rob Hayles took Silver in the Pursuit and then Hayles, Paul Manning Chris Newton and Bryan Steel took Silver in the Team Pursuit. 2004 Chris Hoy (Kilometre) and Bradley Wiggins (Pursuit) take Golds at the Olympics in Athens with Olympic Record times. Rob Hayles and Wiggins take Bronze in the Madison.

In the Team Pursuit GB take Silver with Steve Cummings, Rob Hayles, Paul Manning, Chris Newton, Bryan Steel, Bradley Wiggins 2004 Geraint Thomas wins Gold in the Scratch Race at the Los Angeles Junior Worlds 2004 Steve Peat wins his 2nd World Cup Downhill Series Cup 2004 Commonwealth Games held in Melbourne, Australia. Home Nations win 6 Gold, 6 Silver and 8 Bronze medals 2004 The Tour of Britain is promoted under the new sponsorship of Sweetspot and won by Mauricio Ardila of Colombia 2005 The World Track Championships in Los Angeles give Great Britain the best ever set of performances with Rob Hayles and Mark Cavendish (Gold in the Madison), Victoria Pendleton (Gold in the Women’s Sprint), Chris Hoy, Jason Queally and Jamie Staff (Gold in the Team Sprint) and Paul Manning, Chris Newton, Rob Hayles, Steve Cumming and Ed Clancy (Gold in the Team Pursuit). Jason Queally (Silver in the Kilo) and Chris Hoy (Bronze in the Kilo).

In addition we have 3x 4th, 2 x 5th, 1 x 6th, 1 x 7th and 2 x 8th. Great Britain heads the medal table. 2005 Nicole Cooke wins Silver in the Road Race at the Madrid Worlds 2005 Andrew Tennant wins Gold in the Pursuit. Steven Burke, Ross Sander, Ian Stannard, Andrew Tennant win Silver in the Team Pursuit and Anna Blyth wins Silver in the Sprint and Bronze in the Keirin and Lizzie Armitstead wins Silver in the Scratch race at the Vienna Junior Worlds 2005 Rachel Atherton wins The Junior Women DH MTB World Championship in Livignio 2005 Nick Nuyens of Belgium wins the Tour of Britain 2005 The first Rutland/Melton Classic is won by Scott Gamble 2006 The 18th Commonwealth Games in Melbourne brings the Home Nations 6 Gold, 6 Silver. 8 Bronze medals.

2006 The World Track Championships in Bordeaux with Chris Hoy (Gold in Kilo), Craig MacLean (Silver Sprint), Chris Hoy, Craig MacLean, Jamie Staff & Jason Queally (Silver in team Sprint), Steve Cummings, Paul Manning, Rob Hayles, Geraint Thomas (Silver Team Pursuit), Victoria Pendleton (Silver Women Sprint), Paul Manning (Bronze Men’s Pursuit) 2006 Nicole Cooke wins Bronze in Women’s Road Race at the Salzburg Worlds) 2006 The Junior World Championships in Ghent give 5 Gold Jason Kenny (Sprint and Keirin), Jason Kenny, Christian Lyte and David Daniell (Team Sprint), Peter Kennaugh (Scratch), Anna Blyth (Keirin). 3 Silver – Christian Lyte (Kilo) Anna Blyth (Sprint), Jonny Bellis (Points). And 2 Bronze David Daniell (Kilo), Jonathan Bellis, Steven Burke, Alex Dowsett, Peter Kennaugh ( Team Pursuit). The best ever medal total from a Junior Wold Championships.

2006 Nicole Cooke wins the UCI Women’s World Road Race Cup and is rated the number one women rider in the World 2006 Martin Pedersen of Denmark wins the Tour of Britain 2006 MTB riders take Silver (Tracy Moseley) and Bronze (Rachel Atherton) in the Women’s Downhill World Championships 2007 The World Track Championships in Majorca. British riders win 7 Gold medals – . Chris Hoy (Kilo and Keirin), Bradley Wiggins (Pursuit), Ed Clancy, Paul Manning, Geraint Thomas, Bradley Wiggins (Team Pursuit), Vikki Pendleton (Sprint and with Shanaze Reade the Team Sprint). Jamie Staff (Bronze Kilo), , Ross Edgar (Bronze Keirin)Paul Manning (Bronze Pursuit), Ross Edgar Chris Hoy and Craig Mclean (Silver Team Sprint), Rebecca Romero (Silver Pursuit). 2007 Medals for Christian Lyte (Gold Keirin).

David Daniell, Christian Lyte and Peter Mitchell (Gold Team Sprint).-David Daniell (Silver Keirin), Peter Mitchell (Silver Sprint).Jessica Varnish (Silver Sprint) Christian Lyte (Bronze Sprint) at the Mexico Junior Worlds 2007 Shanaze Reade wins the Senior Women’s BMX World title 2007 Scot Ruaridh Cunningham wins the World Junior MTB title in Fort William which hosts the series for the first time 2007 Romain Feillu of France wins the Tour of Britain 2008 The World Track Championships are held in Manchester. The GB Team win 11 medals in total with 9 of those being Gold. Gold by Chris Hoy ( Sprint and Keirin) Bradley Wiggins (Pursuit), Ed Clancy, Paul Manning, Geraint Thomas, Bradley Wiggins (Team Pursuit) Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins (Madison) Victoria Pendleton (Sprint), Victoria Pendleton and Shanaze Reade (Team Sprint), Rebecca Romero (Pursuit) Wendy Houvenaghel, Rebecca Romero. Joanna Rowsell (Team Pursuit).

Silver by Ross Edgar, Chris Hoy, Jamie Staff (Team Sprint), Victoria Pendleton (Keirin) 2008 Nicole Cooke wins Gold in the Road Race at the Varese Worlds 2008 Mark Cavendish wins 4 stages of the Tour de France Stages 5,8,12 and 13 2008 At the Olympic Games in Beijing the GB Cycling Team win 8 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze medals. Chris Hoy ( Gold Sprint, Keirin and with Jason Kenny and Jamie Staff Team Sprint), Bradley Wiggins (Gold Pursuit and with Ed Clancy, Paul Manning, Geraint Thomas Gold Team Pursuit), Victoria Pendleton (Gold Sprint), Rebecca Romero (Gold Pursuit), Nicole Cooke (Gold Road Race), Emma Pooley (Silver Road Time Trial) Wendy Houvenaghel (Silver Pursuit) Jason Kenny (Silver Sprint), Steve Burke (Bronze Pursuit), Chris Newton (Bronze Points)The Paralympic Cycling Team take 20 medals from the23 events entered. 19 being Gold.

2008 Geoffroy Lequatre of France wins the Tour of Britain 2008 Dec 14 Chris Hoy voted BBC Sports Personality of 2008. Nicole Cooke, Rebecca Romero and Bradley Wiggins also in the top 10. The GB Olympic Cycling Team are voted Team of the Year. 2008 Shanaze Reade wins her 2nd Senior Women’s BMX World title 2008 Rachel (downhill), Gee (downhill) and Dan Atherton(4 Cross) win three World Cup MTB events in Andorra 2009 Jan 1 Ian Drake appointed Chief Executive to replace Peter King now an Executive Director. 2009 British Cycling celebrates the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Federation.

2009 Wendy Houvenaghel, Rebecca Romero, Joanna Rowsell (Gold Team Pursuit) Victoria Pendleton (Gold Sprint) Victoria Pendleton and Shanaze Reade (Silver in Team Sprint) Matthew Crampton, Jason Kenny, Jamie (Silver Team Sprint), Wendy Houvenaghel (Silver Pursuit), Lizzie Armitstead (Silver Scratch and Bronze Points) Chris Newton (Bronze Points), Victoria Pendleton (Bronze Time Trial) at the Pruszkow, Poland Worlds 2009 Becky James wins Gold in the Sprint and Keirin and a Silver in the 500m Time Trial at the Moscow Junior Worlds 2009 Mark Cavendish wins 6 stages of the Tour de France Stages 2, 3, 10, 11, 19, 21 2009 Mark Cavendish wins the Milan San Remo Classic 2009 Steve Peat wins the Men’s World Downhill Championship for the 1st time.

2009 British Cycling announce the formation of a Professional Team for 2010 sponsored by Sky Television 2009 Nov The British Olympic and Paralympic Cycling Team are granted the Freedom of the City of Manchester 2010 Mark Cavendish wins 5 stages of the Tour de France 2010 Mark Cavendish wins Points Jersey and 4 stages of the Vuelta Emma Pooley wins World Women’s TT Championship 2011 GB Medal in 6 events at the World Road Championships in Denmark. Best GB Performance at the Road World Championships.Mark Cavendish wins Elite RRLucy Garner wins Junior Women’s RRBradley Wiggins 2nd in Elite TT Elinor Barker 2nd in Junior Women’s TT Andy Fenn 3rd in Junior RR Emma Pooley 3rd in Women’s TT 2011 Mark Cavendish wins the TDF Green Jersey Points Competition.

2012 Bradley Wiggins wins the Paris Nice 2012 francofiles france australia festivals french icons Le Tour de France About Le Tour The race was started in 1903, sponsored by the car magazine "L'Auto" ( a rather unusual sponsorship since this is a cycle race!) Then, as now, the course ran through the whole of France; in recent years, the race has often included neighbouring countries too. What makes this race so special is the fact that the riders have to be very skilled - they are expected to be able to sprint, ride cross country, have the stamina to race over enormous distances and be expert climbers since the course crosses some of the highest mountain passes in Europe. Each year a different course is designed, with the route of the "Tour" running clockwise or anti-clockwise around France (the direction alternates each year.) The route designers aim to cover the distance in about 21 to 25 "stages" which roughly average about 250 km each. This is a map of the Tour de France in 2004. In that year, the Tour circulated anti-clockwise around France. The grey areas are mountains.

You can see that the race has been designed to include many challenging rides. You will see from the map that some stages are linked by short flights or train travel. Designing the route The design of the route incorporates all types of terrain. Riders are often expected to undertake sprints, time trials, distance and mountain rides on the same day. Mountain climbs are a feature of the race. The steep mountain rides are classified on a scale of 4 (least difficulty) to 1 (greatest difficulty). The Tour is so challenging that there is even a special category of "hors catégorie" (beyond a category!) for the ascents which are so extreme that they are beyond the "1" classification! These classifications are determined by the gradient of the slope, the length of the climb and the general difficulties presented by local conditions. The first three winners of a "4" climb are awarded 5, 3 and 1 points respectively. The "hors catégorie" ascents, though, award the first fifteen riders with points, the winner receiving 40. The race is determined on points. Riders perform as individuals and as part of a team.

Lance Armstrong is one of the legendary winners of the race as he has won it seven times. Each day, there are sprint sections and climbs as part of the route and the overall winners are awarded coloured jerseys. You can even buy copies of the "maillots" from the official Tour de France on-line shop. Rather like the Olympic Games, towns vie for the honour of having the Tour pass through, since it brings sponsorship money and visitors. Towns and villages close for the day that the Tour passes through. People line the streets and the roads through the countryside to cheer on the riders. The day becomes a picnic day for the thousands who live near the route. The route is designed so that there is only one rest day out of the whole time spent racing. The final stage is always held in Paris, when the traditional sprint for the finishing line takes place in the Avenue des Champs Elysées and the race ends at the Arc de Triomphe. Sprinting through Paris on the way to the finishing line. For more information and to see the profiles of the mountain stages, go to the Official Tour de France site. The coloured jerseys The significance of the colours of the jerseys (maillots) is explained below.

Right from its origins, the race invited sponsorship. Award:

Question: Which race was first held in 1903 under the sponsorship of the magazine L'Auto?
Answer: THE TOUR DE FRANCE