Cycling 13 August 1977 - Pomp and pageantry at Leicester track

All eyes were on National Championship week – the popular promotion held annually at the famous Leicester outdoor velodrome from 1973. At this time the 333.33-metre track was still white concrete (it had a makeover for the 1982 Worlds when it was given a wooden surface) and it was Mick Bennett, riding in his first season as a pro, who made the headlines. He beat Olympian Trevor Bull to the sprint title.

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Although only seven pro sprinters rode, Bennett’s achievement is noteworthy for the fact he is remembered as a team pursuiter. Having said that, he also won the kilometre time trial title during his career, suggesting he was a rider in the mould of Ed Clancy, who has competed across sprint and endurance disciplines on the track.