Personal Best Signed By Beryl Burton

Author: Beryl Burton
Price: £245
Publisher: Springfield Books, UK
Publication Date: 1986
Edition: First edition
Format: Original cloth gilt with dustwrapper
Condition: Near fine in very good dustwrapper
Pages: 182

Description:

The rare first edition of her autobiography inscribed to ‘Beryl, Best wishes, Beryl Burton, OBE’. Illustrated throughout. A near fine, tight, clean copy in very good, slightly creased and rubbed dustwrapper. Very scarce signed.

Beryl Burton: A Short Biography

Beryl Burton (1937–1996) was an extraordinary British cyclist who became one of the most successful and dominant figures in the history of the sport. Despite competing in an era when women’s cycling received little recognition or support, Burton’s achievements are unparalleled, and she is widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Beryl Burton was born on May 12, 1937, in Halton, Leeds, England. Her introduction to cycling was somewhat unconventional; she began cycling in her late teens after recovering from rheumatic fever, which had affected her health significantly. Encouraged by her husband, Charlie Burton, who was also a keen cyclist, Beryl quickly developed a passion for the sport.

Dominance in British Cycling

Burton’s competitive career began in the early 1950s, and she soon established herself as a formidable force in British cycling. Her dominance in time trials, road races, and track cycling over the next several decades was unmatched. Burton won her first British Best All-Rounder (BBAR) title in 1959, a title she would go on to hold for an incredible 25 consecutive years, from 1959 to 1983.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Beryl Burton’s list of achievements is extensive, but some of her most remarkable records include:

• World Championships: Burton won seven world titles in her career, including five in the individual pursuit (1959, 1960, 1962, 1963, and 1966) and two in the road race (1960 and 1967). Her dominance on the world stage was unprecedented, especially at a time when women’s cycling was not as well supported or recognised as men’s.
• British National Titles: Over her career, Burton won more than 90 domestic championships, including multiple titles in road racing, time trials, and track events.
• 12-Hour Time Trial Record: One of Burton’s most famous achievements came in 1967 when she set a new record for the 12-hour time trial, covering a staggering 277.25 miles (446.19 kilometres). Remarkably, this distance was not only a women’s record but also surpassed the men’s record at the time. During the ride, she famously overtook and offered a piece of liquorice to Mike McNamara, the leading male competitor.
• Endurance and Longevity: Burton’s career was defined not only by her speed and power but also by her incredible endurance and longevity in the sport. She continued to compete at a high level well into her 40s and remained active in cycling throughout her life.

Legacy and Recognition

Despite her remarkable success, Beryl Burton never received the same level of recognition or financial reward as her male counterparts. Nevertheless, she is remembered as a trailblazer in women’s sport, and her legacy as one of the greatest cyclists in history endures.

• Honours: Burton was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1964 and the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 1968 in recognition of her contributions to cycling.
• Influence: Beryl Burton’s achievements inspired future generations of female cyclists, and she remains a symbol of determination, resilience, and excellence in sport.

Personal Life

Beryl Burton’s success was closely supported by her family, particularly her husband, Charlie Burton, who was also her coach and mechanic. Her daughter, Denise Burton-Cole, followed in her footsteps and became a successful cyclist in her own right, even competing against her mother in some events.

Beryl Burton continued to cycle and compete in veteran races until her untimely death from heart failure during a social ride on May 5, 1996, just a week before her 59th birthday.

Conclusion

Beryl Burton’s story is one of remarkable talent, determination, and resilience. Her records and achievements are a testament to her extraordinary ability and commitment to cycling. Despite the challenges she faced as a female athlete in a male-dominated sport, she left an indelible mark on cycling history, and her legacy continues to inspire athletes around the world.

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