With the Tour de France currently in full flow it brings to mind that, in the past, cycling races were a popular pastime in and around Bishopthorpe – albeit in a more modest way. In August 1886, Mr. George Anderson, landlord of the Woodman Inn, promoted a cycling handicap which attracted cyclists from a number of local clubs. The first two heats were decided earlier in the month and the final race was to be run over a distance of one mile from Tadcaster Road to Bishopthorpe. However, for some unknown reason, the race started at dusk and one or two competitors were stopped by policemen for not carrying lamps. Needless to say, some confusion arose. However, the contest seemed to finish happily enough – probably at the Woodman Inn, where Mr. Anderson presented silver medals to the winners.
Yorkshire Gazette, Saturday, 28 August 1886, p8.
Linda Haywood
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