Champion Cyclists: long-distance, sprint and road racing
As early as 1892, Raleigh led the world in cycle sports success; foremost among their riders being the American world champion, A.A. ‘Zimmy’ Zimmerman.
By the early twentieth century attempts were being made on various cycling records, particularly long-distance races. In July 1908 Harry Green rode the 837½ miles from Lands End to John O’Groats in a spectacular 2 days, 19 hours and 50 minutes on his Raleigh.
Green's record remained unbroken until 1929 when Jack Rossiter completed the journey, shaving 6 hours and 28 minutes from the time. However it was still a Raleigh success as Rossiter had used the same make of bicycle as Green and the same three-speed gear!
The name of Reg Harris dominated cycle racing in the early 1950s. Reg signed as a professional with Raleigh in 1949 and in that year became the first ever Englishman to win the World Professional Sprint Championship. He won again in 1950, 1951 and 1954, gaining victory on his famous ‘Red Raleigh’.
The bicycle was used again in 1974 when Reg Harris came out of retirement to win the British Professional Sprint Championship at Leicester.
The formation of a professional Raleigh cycling team in the late 1960s ensured continued success. In 1972 the team was renamed TI Raleigh and was divided into a European road-racing team and a British team. The team enjoyed great success, including team wins in the Tour de France in 1977 and 1983.
Public apathy and a lack of television coverage led to the eventual dropping of the road-racing team. However a few years later, with a growing interest in mountain biking, the Raleigh MTB team was launched in 1989 and continues today.
