Mick wrote:
Ask any Brit cyclist who they think was the Best Ever Brit and the answer would be BB. Her career spanned four decades consisting of five world pursuit titles, two world road race titles, 25 consecutive wins in the Womans BBAR competition, 12 national road race titles, 13 national pursuit titles, 70 RTTC championships at distances from 10 to 100 miles. Not bad for someone who was told at the age of eleven after having contracted rheumatic fever that she would have to take things easy for the rest of her life. She spent nine months in a Leeds hospital and 15 months convalence due to this illness. One of her most memorable rides was when she bettered the mens 12 hour record, with a ride of 277.5 miles beating Owen Blowers record which had stood for nine years. While cyclists marvelled at BB's ride, there was sadness for Mike Mc Namara whom she she had beaten into second place. Mac was tipped for glory on that unforgetable day, who had also beaten Blower's record. Instead, he was relega.
To rub salt into the wound Burton caught and passed him on the finishing circuit. "I thought some gesture was required on my part,"she said. Reaching into her racing jersey, she found a liquorice allsort (candy) and gave it to her shattered rival. "Ta, love" he replied, before popping the sweet into his mouth.
She was the best bike rider in Britain over 12 hours, but it could be argued that she was stronger over shorter distances. World Champion in the 3000 pursuit 1959,60,62,63 and 66. Broke the world record for 3000 metres twice on slow outdoor tracks, Newcastle under Lyme and Nottingham. Total world medal haul 7 golds, 3 silvers and 1bronze.
A chapter in bike racing ended in 1983 when Beryl was found to be anaemic after a early season accident, when she suffered spinal concusion. That years BBAR was a real ordeal for her but she managed to grind out her rides and clinch her 25th consecutive All- Rounder title. Wisely she called a halt to competiting in this gruelling event. She was terribly disappointed to be named as a reserve for Britains Tour de France Feminin team in 1984 at the age of 47.
Tragically the end came in 1986 whilst she was out training for the National 10, she was found collapsed in the road, by her bike . A traffic accident was suspected at first but her death was due to natural causes. ---------------------------------
Wouldn't it be interesting to have had the chance to compare Burton with Jeannie Longo? Both remained competitive until quite advanced ages.
Steven Maasland Moorestown, NJ
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