Beryl Burton

Beryl Burton was an extraordinary cyclist who dominated Women's British Cycling for over 30 years.

Beryl Burton was born on May 12, 1937 in Leeds, West Yorkshire. She spent all her life in her native Yorkshire and rode for Morley CC.

Beryl Burton was a traditional British cyclist of the post war period. This was characterised by Sunday club runs and time trials, - racing against the clock. Beryl Burton was particularly good at long distance time trials e.g. 100 miles, 12 hour TT

Beryl Burton married her husband Charlie in 1955. It was Charlie who introduced Beryl to cycling. Within 2 years of starting cycling Beryl had won her first medal in a national championship (silver in the national 100)

On the domestic scene Beryl Burton won the B.B.A.R (Best all rounder) an unprecedented 25 consecutive times between 1959 and 1983. On one occasion she set a new record for a 12 hour time trial of 277.25 miles. The extraordinary thing was that this also beat the existing men's record by over 5 miles. There is a famous tale that as she past the current men's record holder, who was Mike McNamara she offered him a sweet as she passed!

On the international scene Beryl won the women's world road race championship in 1960 and 1967, she was also second 1961. She also won the women's world pursuit title in 1959, 1960, 1962, 1963 and 1966. Unfortunately at that time women's cycling was given a lowly status and did not have any Olympic recognition. If cycling had been an Olympic sport Beryl may have been one of Britain's most successful Olympians.

In 1968 Beryl was invited to take part in the prestigious Grand Prix De Nations, which for many years was the unofficial World Time Trial Championship. Although not officially part of the race Beryl was set off first and completed the 73 Km course in an average speed of 41Kmph. This was only one minute behind the last male (professional) finisher. The winner was Filipe Gimondi and he rode at 47 Kmph

Beryl died on 8th May 1996 whilst out on a training ride. She had suffered a heart attack.

Beryl Burton was appointed MBE in 1964 and advanced to OBE in 1968. She is survived by her husband and daughter.

External Links

Great Moments of Cycling - Beryl Burton - at UK Cycling

- Beryl Burton Pageat Daily Peleton

Beryl Burton Garden of Remembrance

Garden in Morley Beryl Burton's birthplace

- RJAP