Cycling 4 August, 1979 - When Campagnolo and Hinault reigned supreme

The National Track Championships were always a big deal for Cycling in the 70s and 80s, even with the regular disruption caused by the weather at Leicester’s outdoor track.

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With little or no international success on the road in the late Seventies, it was on the track where British riders could still go off and compete against the best in the world. And the National Champs were a guide as to who exactly might do this.

There was also less specialisation in the sport, meaning many of the top UK domestic road men competed on the track as well. Not only that, but the top endurance men were often the top sprinters. Ian Hallam, a team pursuiter by trade, was crowned sprint champion in 1979.