London - Holyhead

[Retro1702]

Seeing the film of the '66 Tour amongst thoughts about other "classic" races I've got going through my head just now got me thinking about London - Holyhead.

Does anybody on here have a clue where a good place to start researching the race would be? Old routes covered etc? I did think about tweeting Phil Liggett but not sure if he'd reply.

Any help much appreciated.

 

[one-eyed_jim]

I Googled up this short newsreel clip from the 1951 race:

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//BHC_ ... 412090043/

The only points identified on the route are Marble Arch (the start), St Albans, Fenny Stratford and Bletchley (on a road sign), then Shropshire and the finish.

I also found this local newspaper article about the exploits of Fred Nicholls, who came third in 1951:

http://www.blackcountrybugle.co.uk/News ... Miner.htm#

Apparently he now lives in Pensnett, Dudley. There's an F J Nicholls listed in the Dudley area on the BT site. I won't post his number here, but perhaps he wouldn't mind sharing his memories of the race.

 

[Retro1702]

Superb, I'll look into all that info.
Cheers