THE remarkable life of champion cyclist Beryl Burton, one of the greatest cyclists of all time is detailed in a new book.
Author and journalist Jeremy Wilson who has written 'Beryl: In Search of Britain's Greatest Athlete' will be in conversation with Beryl's daughter, Denise Burton-Cole, at a launch event at Otley Courthouse on July 8 at 7.30pm (tickets £6).
The evening will be compered by John Armistead - the father of Team GB cyclist Lizzie Deignan.
Cyclist Beryl Burton was practically invincible in time trials, finishing as Best All-Rounder for 25 consecutive years and setting a world record in 1967 for the distance covered in 12 hours that beat the men. She won multiple world titles, even when the distances didn't play to her strengths. But her achievements were limited by discrimination from the cycling authorities, and by her strictly amateur status against state-sponsored rivals from Eastern Bloc nations.
Yet she carried on winning, beating men and - infamously - competing against her own daughter, while working on a farm and running a household. Her motivation, sparked by appalling childhood illness, is as fascinating as her achievements are stunning.
Visit www.otleycourthouse.org.uk for tickets or call the box office on 01943 467466.
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