Ernie Payne, Cycling Champion
by
John Stafford
Cycling is not particularly popular as a sport in Britain, in spite of
its passionate following on the Continent. Worcester has often featured at the
top of the sport, however, through the work of the St. John's Cycling Club, which
has been in existence almost as long as the bicycle itself. Around the turn of the
century, Ernie Payne was the club's champion, and his achievements were celebrated
at the annual dinner of 1904, where he appeared as guest of honour. The
chairman referred to his brilliant performances during his short racing career,
including (up to April that year) 33 first prizes and five challenge cups. Within
a month of this occasion, Ernie is reported in the Worcester Herald as the
winner by several yards of two races at an event held by the Notts Forest
Football Club. He was later to be a competitor in the Olympic Games.
Copyright ©
John Stafford
1999
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