1956 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. The NCU banned Stallard and all the riders, and on November 14 that year they formed the British League of Racing Cyclists. The NCU with the RTTC controlled track and time-trial events and massed-start races not on public roads (the 1948 Olympic road race was an example, run in Windsor Great Park). The BLRC promoted single day and multi-stage road races on public roads. An acrimonious 17 years followed before the 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 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 Campagnolo Gran Sport gears, Mafac centre-pull brakes, quick-release hubs, a CO2 pump fitting.

 

Frame: Reynolds 531. Lug for CO2 pump.

Transmission: Lyotard MB pedals; William C1230 double crankset;  Campagnolo Gran Sport front and rear mechs.

Saddle: Brooks B17N

Wheels: BH Airlite QR hubs. Weinman HP rims.

Steering: GB Bars. Unknown lugged steel stem

Brakes: Mafac c/pulls.

Given to me by a Redhill CC member clearing out his shed. Original, unrestored, scruffy.