On 11th June
1977,
Eddy Merckx,
Raymond Poulidor,
Luis Ocaña,
Sid Barras, Dietrich "
Didi" Thurau,
Phil Bayton,
Keith Lambert,
Steve Leek,
Reg Smith and others raced 90.
1 km around Eastways
Cycle Track in
East London (now buried under the
Olympic Velodrome and
Olympic Park!).
Thurrau won the race (although it is believed he was out of the race for more than one lap earlier on so he probably should have been relegated and he gets one helluva tow from the camera-bike when he breaks away!). Sid Barras beat the
Great Eddy for second place, although, to be fair, Merckx was close to the end of his incredible professional career.
The race was brought to our shores by the famous
Boxing Promoter
Mike Barratt and Glenryck, of the famous pilchards, were the main sponsors, hence the name of the race and the associated cup (which you can see Thurau holding on the podium at the end).
It was televised by
London Weekend Television's "
World of Sport" and this is the original, unedited footage from the race - even before and after the actual broadcast! Considering the age, it is pretty good quality.
Don't ask me how I got hold of this tape - it's a secret - SHHHH!!!! :)
The results:
The Glenryck Cup, Eastways - 56 laps, 90.1km
1st Thurau in 2h08"49
2nd
Barras at 8"
3rd Merckx
This was the first time mobile cameras on motorbikes had been used in the live broadcast of a bike race in the UK.
I was 16 years of age (almost 17) and was at the side of the track with my
Mum, Dad and
Janet, my sister. I raced there myself around that period.
David Saunders' commentary seems so dated now compared to today's standards but is lovely to hear.
It is entertaining to listen to the pre- and post-broadcast audio and also the see the studio, the graphics and the fashion of the time when
Fred Dinenage (of "How!" fame and who is still broadcasting!) appears in the studio. He goes on to announce the pre-recorded finish of the final stage (Swindon-Southampton) of the
Milk Race (again commentated on by Mr.
Saunders - hence some of the phone conversations earlier on from Eastways when he is trying to figure out the order of arrivals in
Southampton.
I have searched but can't see me or my family in amongst the crowd although I have very clear memories of jumping over the barriers and patting Eddy on the back as he went to the podium. The first of three times in my life I have met the greatest athlete of the
20th Century (and arguably all-time!)
I hope, if you were there, you have manage to see yourself on this video.
Wonderful stuff!
Enjoy! :)
- published: 26 Aug 2013
- views: 4322