Jeff Williams (cyclist)
Encyclopedia
Jeffrey "Jeff" Williams is an English
former professional road racing cyclist from Manchester
. He rode for Great Britain at the Olympic Games
, and won several national championship titles.
setting a new course record that still stands to this day. A rival, Andy Hitchens, who remembers it well, said: "Williams looked like he'd been on starvation rations for months — he was built like a sparrow. Some people assume that there was a howling tailwind that day, but there wasn't. It was sunny, but cool.” In 1980 Williams joined the Manchester Wheelers' Club
and was expected to win International honours during the next two or three seasons. Later that year he won his first stage in the Sealink International finishing four minutes clear. However Williams was left disappointed in the National Hill Climb Championships
that year beaten into second place by Malcolm Elliott
by only one fifth of a second after being knocked off his bike whilst warming up
and receiving a broken nose and severe bruising. At the age of 21 Williams competed for Great Britain in the individual road race
at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games. He was sponsored by Harry Hall Cycles. Williams finished 47th, alongside Stephen Roche
. At the end of the 1980 season Williams publicly declared his intention of living and racing in France
for the 1981 racing calendar with a view to turning professional
therefore joining the French
club ACBB (Athletic Club de Boulogne Billencourt), Europe’s most successful sports club
.
In 1982 Williams completed a unique double, of the British Road Race Championship
and Hill Climb Championship
becoming the first person ever to do so in the same season. Williams competed in the individual road race at the 1982 Commonwealth Games
in Brisbane
.
In 1986 he joined Raleigh riding with Paul Sherwen
, Mark Bell
, Paul Watson
and Jon Clay
. Williams retired at the end of the 1987 season. He was famed for his hill climbing ability and considered by many to be one of the most exciting riders, he scaled the heights throughout his career, but also plumbed the depths.
coverage of the Tour de France
throughout the late 80s to mid 90s (see video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=243BJu0zB50). The music
was composed by Pete Shelley
of the Buzzcocks
.
to fellow Olympic
cyclist Peter Longbottom (13 May 1959 – 10 February 1998). He is also the younger brother of Mike Williams a former professional rider.
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
former professional road racing cyclist from Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
. He rode for Great Britain at the Olympic Games
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
, and won several national championship titles.
Cycling career
In 1979 Williams won his first British National Hill Climb ChampionshipsBritish National Hill Climb Championships
The British National Hill Climb Championship is a hill climbing competition held annually by Cycling Time Trials with the location varying year on year. The first edition was in 1944.- Results :-References:***...
setting a new course record that still stands to this day. A rival, Andy Hitchens, who remembers it well, said: "Williams looked like he'd been on starvation rations for months — he was built like a sparrow. Some people assume that there was a howling tailwind that day, but there wasn't. It was sunny, but cool.” In 1980 Williams joined the Manchester Wheelers' Club
Manchester Wheelers' Club
-Formation and early history:The club was formed on 7 July 1883, as Manchester Athletic Bicycle Club, the name being changed to Manchester Wheelers' Club in 1890.The Manchester Wheelers are the most successful cycling club in Britain having produced countless international riders and several World...
and was expected to win International honours during the next two or three seasons. Later that year he won his first stage in the Sealink International finishing four minutes clear. However Williams was left disappointed in the National Hill Climb Championships
British National Hill Climb Championships
The British National Hill Climb Championship is a hill climbing competition held annually by Cycling Time Trials with the location varying year on year. The first edition was in 1944.- Results :-References:***...
that year beaten into second place by Malcolm Elliott
Malcolm Elliott
Malcolm Elliott is an English professional cyclist, whose professional career has lasted from 1984 to 1997 when he retired and from 2003 up to the present day when he made his comeback in British domestic racing....
by only one fifth of a second after being knocked off his bike whilst warming up
Warming up
A warm-up is usually performed before participating in technical sports or exercising. A warm-up generally consists of a gradual increase in intensity in physical activity , a joint mobility exercise, stretching and a sport related activity. For example, before running or playing an intense sport...
and receiving a broken nose and severe bruising. At the age of 21 Williams competed for Great Britain in the individual road race
Road bicycle racing
Road bicycle racing is a bicycle racing sport held on roads, using racing bicycles. The term "road racing" is usually applied to events where competing riders start simultaneously with the winner being the first to the line at the end of the course .Historically, the most...
at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games. He was sponsored by Harry Hall Cycles. Williams finished 47th, alongside Stephen Roche
Stephen Roche
Stephen Roche is a retired professional road racing cyclist. In a 13-year professional career, he peaked in 1987, becoming only the second cyclist to win the Triple Crown of victories in the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia stage races, plus the World road race championship...
. At the end of the 1980 season Williams publicly declared his intention of living and racing in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
for the 1981 racing calendar with a view to turning professional
Professional
A professional is a person who is paid to undertake a specialised set of tasks and to complete them for a fee. The traditional professions were doctors, lawyers, clergymen, and commissioned military officers. Today, the term is applied to estate agents, surveyors , environmental scientists,...
therefore joining the French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
club ACBB (Athletic Club de Boulogne Billencourt), Europe’s most successful sports club
Sports club
A sports club or sport club, sometimes athletics club or sports association is a club for the purpose of playing one or more sports...
.
In 1982 Williams completed a unique double, of the British Road Race Championship
British National Road Race Championships
The British National Road Race Championships cover different categories of British road bicycle racing events, normally held annually.-History:...
and Hill Climb Championship
British National Hill Climb Championships
The British National Hill Climb Championship is a hill climbing competition held annually by Cycling Time Trials with the location varying year on year. The first edition was in 1944.- Results :-References:***...
becoming the first person ever to do so in the same season. Williams competed in the individual road race at the 1982 Commonwealth Games
1982 Commonwealth Games
The 1982 Commonwealth Games were held in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia from 30 September–9 October 1982. The Opening Ceremony was held at the QEII Stadium , in the Brisbane suburb of Nathan. The QEII Stadium was also the venue which was used for the athletics and archery competitions during the...
in Brisbane
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
.
In 1986 he joined Raleigh riding with Paul Sherwen
Paul Sherwen
Paul Sherwen is an English former professional racing cyclist. He is now a broadcaster on cycling, notably the Tour de France. He raced in seven editions of the Tour, finishing five, and gained a reputation for his ability to suffer over long mountain stages.-Cycling career:Born in Widnes,...
, Mark Bell
Mark Bell (cyclist)
Mark Bell was an English professional cyclist from Birkenhead. He rode for Britain in the Olympic Games, won the national road championship as an amateur and then a professional and was the first foreigner to win the Étoile de Sud stage race in Belgium. He died at 49 after collapsing at his home...
, Paul Watson
Paul Watson (cyclist)
Paul Watson is a former professional English road racing cyclist from Milton Keynes. He was national road race champion, raced in the Tour de France and made headlines finishing 6th in the Belgium classic La Flèche Wallonne.-Road:19841985...
and Jon Clay
Jon Clay
Jonathan Clay, better known as Jonny Clay is a British former professional track and road racing cyclist. A silver medalist in the individual pursuit at the 1998 Commonwealth Games, Clay was also part of the team pursuit line up which took the bronze medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.A...
. Williams retired at the end of the 1987 season. He was famed for his hill climbing ability and considered by many to be one of the most exciting riders, he scaled the heights throughout his career, but also plumbed the depths.
Trivia
Williams starred in the intro for the Channel 4Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
coverage of the Tour de France
Tour de France
The Tour de France is an annual bicycle race held in France and nearby countries. First staged in 1903, the race covers more than and lasts three weeks. As the best known and most prestigious of cycling's three "Grand Tours", the Tour de France attracts riders and teams from around the world. The...
throughout the late 80s to mid 90s (see video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=243BJu0zB50). The music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
was composed by Pete Shelley
Pete Shelley
Pete Shelley is an English singer, songwriter and guitarist, best known as the leader of Buzzcocks.-Biography:...
of the Buzzcocks
Buzzcocks
Buzzcocks are an English punk rock band formed in Bolton in 1976, led by singer–songwriter–guitarist Pete Shelley.They are regarded as an important influence on the Manchester music scene, the independent record label movement, punk rock, power pop, pop punk and indie rock. They achieved commercial...
.
Family Links
Jeff was brother-in-lawBrother-in-law
A brother-in-law is the brother of one's spouse, the husband of one's sibling, or the husband of one's spouse's sibling.-See also:*Affinity *Sister-in-law*Brothers in Law , a 1955 British comedy novel...
to fellow Olympic
1992 Summer Olympics
The 1992 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXV Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event celebrated in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, in 1992. The International Olympic Committee voted in 1986 to separate the Summer and Winter Games, which had been held in the same...
cyclist Peter Longbottom (13 May 1959 – 10 February 1998). He is also the younger brother of Mike Williams a former professional rider.
Palmarès
1979- 2nd Overall, Premier CalendarPremier CalendarThe British Cycling Premier Calendar Road Race Series is a season-long competition run by British Cycling. It comprises a series of road bicycle races for the country's top domestic road riders.-Organisation and events:...
-
1st British National Hill Climb ChampionshipsBritish National Hill Climb ChampionshipsThe British National Hill Climb Championship is a hill climbing competition held annually by Cycling Time Trials with the location varying year on year. The first edition was in 1944.- Results :-References:***...
1980
- 1st stage 4, Sealink International
- 1st Archer Grand PrixArcher Grand Prix cycle race- History :The Archer Grand Prix has been run annually for over fifty years, organised by Stuart Benstead of the Archer Road Club . It has been descried by British Cycling as a "long running classic". The first edition was held in 1956 and won by British rider, Alfred Howling...
- 1st Tour of the Pennines (pro-am)
- 1st stage 2, Yorkshire Classic (Harrogate)
- 2nd British National Hill Climb ChampionshipsBritish National Hill Climb ChampionshipsThe British National Hill Climb Championship is a hill climbing competition held annually by Cycling Time Trials with the location varying year on year. The first edition was in 1944.- Results :-References:***...
- 47th Olympic GamesCycling at the 1980 Summer OlympicsCycling at the 1980 Summer Olympics was split into two categories: Road and Track. 6 events were contested . All 4 events of the track cycling were held at the Velodrome of the Trade Unions Olympic Sports Centre . 100 km team time trial event was held along the Moscow-Minsk highway...
, Road race
1981
- 1st Porthole Grand Prix
- 2nd Grand Prix de la Ville de LillersGrand Prix de la Ville de LillersGrand Prix de la Ville de Lillers is a road bicycle race held annually near Lillers, a commune in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. The editions 1964-1995 were reserved to amateurs...
- 2nd Paris - Ezy
- 1st stage 2, Sealink International
- 1st British National Hill Climb ChampionshipsBritish National Hill Climb ChampionshipsThe British National Hill Climb Championship is a hill climbing competition held annually by Cycling Time Trials with the location varying year on year. The first edition was in 1944.- Results :-References:***...
1982
- 4th Overall, Circuit des Ardennes
- 4th Overall, Sealink International
- 1st stage 5, Sealink International
-
Winner of the British National Road Race ChampionshipsBritish National Road Race ChampionshipsThe British National Road Race Championships cover different categories of British road bicycle racing events, normally held annually.-History:...
(Amateur) - 2nd Overall, Premier CalendarPremier CalendarThe British Cycling Premier Calendar Road Race Series is a season-long competition run by British Cycling. It comprises a series of road bicycle races for the country's top domestic road riders.-Organisation and events:...
- 16th Commonwealth GamesCycling at the 1982 Commonwealth GamesThese page represents the results at the Cycling Competition at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Australia.-Individual Road Race :-Team Time Trial :-1.000m Time Trial:-1.000m Match Sprint:-4.000m Individual Pursuit:...
, Road race - 1st British National Hill Climb ChampionshipsBritish National Hill Climb ChampionshipsThe British National Hill Climb Championship is a hill climbing competition held annually by Cycling Time Trials with the location varying year on year. The first edition was in 1944.- Results :-References:***...
1983
- 2nd Hanley
- 6th Tour of the Cotswolds
1984
- 15th Overall, Milk RaceTour of BritainThe Tour of Britain is a cycle race, conducted over several stages, in which participants race from place to place across parts of Great Britain....
1985
- 2nd British National Road Race ChampionshipsBritish National Road Race ChampionshipsThe British National Road Race Championships cover different categories of British road bicycle racing events, normally held annually.-History:...
(Amateur)
1986
- 3rd Wrekin
- 12th Overall, Milk RaceTour of BritainThe Tour of Britain is a cycle race, conducted over several stages, in which participants race from place to place across parts of Great Britain....
- 60th Overall, Nissan ClassicTour of IrelandThe Tour of Ireland is a bicycle stage race held in August. The first race debuted in 1953 and ran until 1957. It was revived in 1965 and ran until 1985. In 1985 the 5 day Nissan International Classic took over as the Tour of Ireland. This lasted for 8 years until 1992...
1987
- 1st Newby