TOUR TIME CAPSULE FOUND IN ATTIC

Charles Holland

Charlie Holland is remembered as the pioneering Brit who rode the Tour way back in 1937, writes Keith Bingham. There was a second British rider who started, Bill Burl, but injury saw him abandon by the second stage, leaving Holland to fend for himself. And how!

Now, thanks to a chance discovery of an old suitcase in the loft, found by two of his daughters, Nina and Frances, we can fully appreciate his outstanding qualities. For here was a veritable treasure trove, telling of exploits which had caught the imagination of the cycling world more than six decades ago.

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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.