Sixty years ago this week a group of Cumbrian cyclists made for the Isle of Man for one of the most prestigious events in their racing calendar.
The Manx Cycle Week was always held the week after the famous TT event and the cyclists were able to test themselves on the island circuit.
When the cyclists disembarked from the overnight ferry on the Monday morning the bikers were lining up on the quayside ready to go home.
The Isle of Man is clearly visible from Gerard McCarten’s garden in Whitehaven and the sight of the island this week has stirred memories of visits, and particularly one in 1962.
He recalled for Cumbria Crack the trip over 60 years ago for Manx International Cycle Week when he was one of three Derwent Valley Wheelers – John Bettinson, Ivan Morris and himself – who competed.
“The event was a great opportunity to see the top continental professionals such as Jacques Anquetil, Tommy Simpson, Rudi Altig, Andre Darrigade and others.
“The finale on Friday had three events taking place simultaneously on the iconic TT circuit. John was to ride the Manx international over three laps (113 miles) but was taken ill on the eve of the race and was unable to start. He would return in 1968 to win with a solo ride from an international field in the final 20 miles.
“Another Cumbrian, Ged Brear of Kent Valley RC, would ride the Viking Trophy over two laps and claim the King of the Mountains prize after his performance over Snaefell.
“Ged would return the following year to ride the Manx International where he finished ahead of a youthful Eddy Merkx.
“Ivan and myself rode in the one lap race (37.75 miles). The Mannin Veg had 120 starters which made for some hairy moments as the field raced away from the grandstand downhill to the first 90 degrees bend.
“Luckily most survived and the riders, including Ivan and myself made it safely through to Ramsey but a crash in Parliament Square caused a split in the field and I was on the wrong side. By the time I reached Gooseneck at the bottom of the mountain I was behind the convoy of following cars!
“However I was able to make steady progress and worked my way through the field to join the small group of leading riders near the summit (1,384ft) after five miles of chasing.
“Following a rapid descent at speeds in excess of 40mph I attacked just before Governor’s Bridge to emerge onto the finishing straight on my own.
“I had expected then to see the flags high above the grandstand but saw only the road rising away from me. I hesitated and the moment was lost.
“It was a mad massed sprint for the line with Colin Stamp of Tyne Velo getting the verdict in a blanket finish.
“Disappointment was my first reaction and the official painting the results in large white paint had reached the slot for sixth place as I retraced back to the finish area.
“First the number 5 came up on the board, then delightfully the number 1 – my race number was 51.
“Ivan finished with a powerful sprint to lead home the main field of finishers a few minutes later.”
Incidentally, Ulverston-born John Bettinson qualified as a draughtsman at the Barrow shipyards and rode for Barrow Central Wheelers. He then joined the Derwent Valley Wheelers where he linked-up with Mike Cowley and Ronnie Martin and they became a formidable team and won countless events.
He represented Great Britain on numerous occasions, winning stages of the Mile Race and his crowning moment was representing GB in the 100 kilometres road team trial at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
