Bob Maitland, hero of 1948 London Olympics, dies in France
Bob Maitland, Olympic silver medallist in the 1948 London Games, died yesterday (August 26) in hospital in Metz, France.
He was 86. The Birmingham rider had been in a critical condition since suffering a heart attack on August 4, when in the headquarters of the Semaine Federal cycle event at Verdun in Eastern France, where he was attending a trade show.
He was treated by paramedics immediately and taken to Metz hospital where he was placed in intensive care.
A hero of the 1948 Olympic road race at Windsor Great Park, Maitland was placed 6th, Britain's best finisher, leading the British team to silver medal position in the team race.
Maitland remained fit throughout his life, taking part in the marathon Paris-Brest-Paris when in his 70s.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Keith Bingham joined the Cycling Weekly team in the summer of 1971, and retired in 2011. During his time, he covered numerous Tours de France, Milk Races and everything in-between. He was well known for his long-running 'Bikewatch' column, and played a pivotal role in fighting for the future of once at-threat cycling venues such as Hog Hill and Herne Hill Velodrome.
-
Street lights being turned off leaves female cyclists like me in the dark when it comes to our safety
‘I’m aware of my own mortality everytime I leave the house’ writes journalist Emmie Harrison-West following the news that cash-strapped councils are switching off street lights.
By Emmie Harrison-West Published
-
Wout van Aert 'in a good place’ ahead of Tour of Flanders despite Visma-Lease a Bike illness and injury crisis
Loss of Christophe Laporte and Dylan van Baarle 'a big blow' says DS Grischa Niermann as team builds for Monument double header
By Tom Thewlis Published