Alex,
You asked-
Not sure what era you are from. How do those times compare?
and since I was asked to relate some stories, with what we've covered, and some
answers here for Mikesbytes, also, here we go...
Lionels 3 up, Sprint final defeat, for silver against Sacchi, and the
result, after finishing half a wheel behind, brings back memories.
My memories, were of approaching the quarter finals of a W.C. and being
in a three up, with two Italians (one their favourite, and we're in Italy)
(complained to Bill Long, to protest, but he explained, no point, home-rules)
so it's engineered to back me, off the favourite, it's rough and tumble,
gave him about 5 lengths at the 200m, and he got it by just half a wheel.
(have the photo, that put me out of the competiton)
He went on to get the silver. Bitterly disappointed me,
but just another experience, a cycling moment (it happens to everyone,
in cycling-with officials, judges, referees etc, and there are many).
Turrini was his name.
My experience with NSW, competed against KeithO.(another story there)
And the connection that Lionel (with me), may relate to, is Louis Gérardin,
(an ex-lover of Edith Piaf) who he (Lionel Cox) may have competed against,
while racing in Europe, at the time.
While racing for the Police club in Paris, I was trained by L.G. who was the
Coach of the French Olympic team, and the club, which were technically one.
I trained with the team, Morelon, Trentin etc... and raced with them.
To get around the Olympic rulings, the riders were Gendarmerie, they
never wore a uniform, or walked the beat. Bit like the US, with Olympians in
the military, at that time. In aussie an amateur, could not earn $1, or lose it.
(their amateur status, that is, Australia was so far behind the times in those days?)
Same era, in Montreal, Anton Tkac, an unknown, beat the track record in 10.89 seconds
and beat Morelon, by an unusual tactic in the final. (Gold medal Sprint Final)
Beware the bouncing Czech. (another example of times)
Many great memories, and many more. No regrets.
Thanks
BrentonO