OBITUARY

GEORGE FELL

George Fell, the first rider to beat 58 minutes for 25 miles has died aged 82.

A life member of the Becontree Wheelers, he had been ill for some time.

Fell dominated short-distance time trialling in 1949 and 1950. He was twice national champion at 25 miles, and held competition records at 25 and 30 miles.

In May 1949 he clocked 57:59:10 in the Middlesex Clarion 25, beating Basil Francis's three year old record by 35 seconds. For record purposes the time was rounded up to 58:00. Fell's figure stood until Bob Inman produced the first genuine 57 minute ride in 1951.

Two weeks after his record ride. Fell travelled to the Midlands, where he took the RTTC championship with a time of 58-10. The other medallists that day were hour record holder Charlie Marriner and four-times British Best All-Rounder Ken Joy. Fell also led Becontree Wheelers to the 25-mile team title and record, backed by Len Eshouse and deaf and dumb rider Norman 'Nobby' Ctarke.

A dose of flu before the 1950 championship looked to have wrecked Fell's hopes of retaining the '25' title. But, as Cycling reported: "The hefty, popular Becontree man confounded most of us by becoming the first rider to win the RTTC championship on two successive occasions." Fell's 58-39 gave him victory by 12 seconds over newcomer Keith Bentley.

Becontree Wheelers chairman Derek Jennings said last week: "We regarded George as an idol — he was the only member of our club to become nationally famous."

George Fell leaves his wife Frances and sons Iain, Stuart, and Graham. The funeral took place at Upminster on February 21.