The Independents

In 1942, Percy Thornley Stallard announced that he would stage a massed-start road race, 59 miles from Llangollen to Wolverhampton. A month before the race Stallard was suspended 'sine die' by the NCU and RTTC, with the support of 'Cycling' magazine. The race, watched by thousands of spectators, was won by Albert Price of Wolverhampton. Within a week all riders and officials listed on the programme were suspended.There was a revolution; Wolverhampton RCC called a meeting and the Midland League of Racing Cyclists was formed; the Northern League of Racing Cyclists already existed. There were more races and more suspensions, and in November 1942 the British League of Racing Cyclists was born. The NCU and RTTC responded "As from today's date any person or club associating itself with the British League of Racing Cyclists or any of its constituent parts will be suspended". The feud ended in 1959 when the rival bodies merged into the BCF, though BLRC members saw it as a take-over and bitterness still exists.

In 1946 the 'Independent' category was initiated, Indies could race with both pro's and amateurs, while being allowed to take cash prizes. This situation lasted till 1966 when all Indies were told by the new BCF that they had the choice of turning pro or packing in racing. In 1970 it first became possible for a pro to revert to amateur, though he would get a 1st category licence however unfit he was.

Percy Stallard

This is the story of some of the 'Independents'.

	Up The League! The Percy Stallard Story Ray Pascoe sent this video, (£18) narrated and written by Les Woodland, produced by Ray Pascoe, with interviews with many 'greats' including Percy, Cec Anslow, Geoff Clark, Ron Kitchen and others. There is amazing footage from Brooklands and Donnington races and continental tours before WW2 as well as early BLRC racing. Email Ray: rayfilms Ray Pascoe, 23 Oaktree Gardens, Bromley, BR15BQ Tel: 0208 8571047
	Left - Percy Stallard wins Circuit of Wrekin 1944 Right - Dave Bedwell wins N Wolverhampton RR 1951

Email received from Tony Hewson

The Riders

	With Albert Keenahan and Pete Jepson The birth of the "League"
	The first bicycle Road Race of 133km between Paris and Rouen in 1869 was won by Englishman James Moore. But by the time John Boyd Dunlop's air-filled tyre was born, in 1888, both the police and the National Cyclists Union were doing everything in their power to suppress cycle racing on the roads of Britain.