CLASSIC BIKE RALEIGH RP TRACK BIKE

Norman Sheil's Worlds-winning 'factory works' machine

- By Simon Fellows

A few weeks back, we showcased Ray Booty's TT bike, a rare 'RP' Raleigh from 1955. This week's classic is another race-proven 'RP' machine with a remarkable provenance, but this time one built for the track.

In 1958, Merseyside-born cycling legend Norman Sheil rode an RP185 to pursuit victories in both the World Championships and the British Empire and Commonwealth Games. He was no stranger to top-level track success, having claimed both titles before - Commonwealth gold in 1954 and the Worlds in 1955.