According to This Island Race by Les Woodland the world’s first cycling race was held at Parc de St Cloud Paris on Friday 31st May, 1868. The race was from the fountains to the barrier and back. The race was held about 7 years after the first recognisable bikes had been developed in Paris. The race was sponsored by Rene and Aime Olivier of the Compagnie Parisiennes, which financed Michaux’s bike business.
The winner of the race was an Englishman James Moore. James was born in England, but, for some reason had moved to Paris. There used to be a memorial plaque to James Moore, but alas it seems to have disappeared.
I bet they didn’t have drugs testing in those days.
The World’s Oldest Bike Race – Catford CC Hill Climb
Start of Catford CC hill Climb – B.Thompson
The longest running cycle race is the Catford Cycling Club ‘Hill Climb’. The first race was held at Westerham Hill on August 20th 1887. In those days, it was considered an achievement to get to the top without falling off. Riders rode a mixture of ‘safety bicycles’ and penny farthings – all on solid tyres. Of 24 starters, only 12 made it to the top.
The race now takes part on York hill.First used in 1935. It is a short and steep climb.
It is only 707 yards long, but has two sections of 25%.
It is very popular with spectators and at the steep section at the top, crowds are often several thick.
- Catford CC – enter hill climb
Related
Photo top: NCReed player Flickr
Leave a Reply