Chas Messenger

Charles William " Chas " Messenger ( born February 25, 1914 in London, † 26 July, 2008 London ) was an English driver, organizer of the race, official of the association and author of cycling books.

Chas Messenger started cycling as an active driver in the area of Kings Cross. He described himself as " mediocre ", but nevertheless put a record in a time trial over 25 miles on.

Commitment as an official

Messenger was a functionary of the British League of Racing Cyclists ( BLRC ). The BLRC was founded during the Second World War to make UK road race on public roads popular. The association organized in 1951 several UK cruises under different names until 1958, the Milk Marketing Board was recovered as a sponsor could. From then on, until 1993, was the race Milk Race. Messenger was from 1958 to 1965, the responsible organizer of the race.

1959 Chas Messenger was partly responsible for that the BLRC with the competitive Association National Cycling Union British Cycling Federation (BCF ), now British Cycling united. He negotiated with the police in order to organize other races on public roads can. For seven years he was deputy chairman of the racing committee of the BCF, the nominated riders for the national teams. From 1962 to 1967 he was the sports director of the British road team. Peak in this period were the UCI Road World Championships 1967 in Heerlen, where the Briton Graham Webb World Champion and the British world champion Beryl Burton was. In September 1967, he was dismissed from the BCF without giving reasons from this function.

In the 1970s, Messenger began with that the last velodrome in the city of London, the train from Paddington obtained remained, albeit in vain. He created instead of the demolished velodrome different ways for cyclists to safely train, such as the Hillingdon Cycle Circuit on which Bradley Wiggins began his career among others.

Author of books

Messenger wrote several books in a style that is described as " intensely personal " than. His understanding of history, a review, not always follow the chronology, but he is an entertaining and exciting author who never enables the Council " to such obstacles like spelling, grammar and punctuation to make intemperate thoughts."

Personal

Messenger spent his entire life in West London, where he worked with the local municipality. He was a member of the Chequers Road Club. He was known for his brusque Art at the official funeral for him one of the speakers said. " His propensity for direct action and getting things done rather than long- winded debate committee made ​​him a controversial figure to some then amateur attitudes" ( Übers. : His penchant for immediate action and implementation in place long wrangling around made ​​him a controversial figure in some amateur settings).

Honors

Since 2001, the Chas Messenger Road Race is held in his honor. 2008 led Messenger, although already seriously ill, the award ceremony for Russell Downing through. In 2009 he was inducted into the British Cycling Hall of Fame.

Writings

• Conquer the World. Pelham Books, London 1968.
• Cycling Crazy. Pelham Books, London, 1970.
• Cycling 's Circus. Pelham Books, London 1971.
• Where there's a Wheel. Pelham Books, London 1972.
• Ride and be Damned. Pedal Publishing, Harpenden 1998.