1956/7 Carpenter #5012 Olympic Massed Start. Awaiting restoration.

On June 7th 1942, in defiance of the edicts of the governing National Cyclists Union,  Percy Stalled organised a massed start road race from Llangollen to Wolverhampton. Stallard and all the riders were banned by the NCU so on November 14 that year they formed the British League of Racing Cyclists. The NCU with the RTTC controlled track and time-trial events; in fear of an outright ban from the authorities they did not allow massed-start races on public roads (the 1948 Olympic road race was, for example, run in Windsor Great Park). In defiant contrast the BLRC promoted single day and multi-stage road races on public roads. Lo and behold the police were not instructed to prevent this. An acrimonious 17 years followed before the BLRC and NCU merged as the British Cycling Federation (now British Cycling), under some pressure from the UCI.

Time trial bike specification remained stuck in the characteristic mould of single-speed fixed wheel machines; there was little need for gearing to cope with an unwavering effort on flat roads in the still air of the early morning. In contrast, road races were held on hillier terrain, the tactics involved pace changes, sprints for primes and the finish line. ‘Leaguers’ turned to the Continental model for their bikes, and this is one with its Mafac centre-pull brakes,  CO2 pump fitting.

Frame: Reynolds 531. Lug for CO2 pump.

Transmission: Lyotard MB pedals; William C1232 double chainset.

Saddle: Brooks B17N

Wheels: Weinman HP rims. Airlite front/ Campagnolo rear hubs.

Steering: GB Maes Bars. Unknown lugged steel stem

Brakes: Mafac c/pulls.

Originally owned by a Redhill CC member, now clearing out his shed. Original, unrestored, scruffy.