Beryl Burton was one of the most remarkable cyclists of all time and undoubtedly a British icon. She achieved the impossible throughout her career, winning seven world titles, two road race championship titles, and five pursuit titles on the track. Next on leedska.
Beryl Burton remains a British record-holder with nearly 100 national titles to her name. As a champion in time trials across all distances, she was unmatched. Many of her national records stood for 20 years, and one held strong for half a century.
Her championship career spanned 25 years, despite her living with a heart condition. Doctors had advised her never to engage in physically demanding activities, yet this did not deter her. On the contrary, it fueled her determination to excel.
Throughout her extensive career, the fearless rider from Morley, south of Leeds, exhibited an unrelenting desire to compete faster and harder. She not only advocated for equality in cycling but also defied stereotypes with her competitive spirit. She boldly competed against men and achieved a historic feat: setting the UK’s 12-hour time trial record. In 1967, Beryl Burton rode 277.25 miles in 12 hours, surpassing the efforts of her male counterparts. Although Beryl passed away in 1996, she remains a celebrated icon of British cycling and her hometown of Leeds.
A Resilient Youth: Beryl Burton’s Early Life and Illness
Beryl Burton was born on May 12, 1937, in Leeds, West Yorkshire, into a working-class family. School records describe young Beryl as a “stubborn little mule,” showcasing her perfectionist tendencies even as a child. One incident involving her English textbook, marked with red ink corrections by a teacher, left her so upset that she declared it nearly drove her mad.
In October 1947, Beryl sat her 11+ exams at Coldcote Elementary School. Despite excelling academically, her intense anxiety caused her to collapse hours later, leading to hospitalization at St. James’s Hospital in Leeds. Diagnosed with Sydenham’s chorea and rheumatic fever, she faced a long road to recovery.
Battling Illness with Determination
Beryl spent nine months confined to a hospital bed, partially paralyzed, struggling to speak, and unable to control involuntary movements. Her rehabilitation took place at Southport Convalescent Home, run by nuns, where she lived for 15 months under strict discipline.
Returning home healthier, Beryl faced a daunting list of medical recommendations and prohibitions. Her irregular heartbeat and scarred heart meant doctors advised her against strenuous physical activities. Even cycling uphill was discouraged to prevent breathlessness. Yet, Beryl steadfastly ignored these warnings.
Meeting Her Future Husband and Cycling Partner
At 15, Beryl left school and began working at a garment factory in Leeds, where she met Charlie Burton, her future husband and lifelong supporter.
Charlie recalled how Beryl boldly borrowed one of his bicycles, sparking a friendship that grew into a partnership. He introduced her to the Morley Cycling Club, and their first Sunday ride in Yorkshire Dales marked the beginning of Beryl’s cycling journey. Despite needing assistance on hills initially, she soon became a formidable cyclist, earning Charlie’s unwavering belief in her potential.
The couple married before Beryl’s 18th birthday in 1955, settling in Morley. Charlie put his own cycling ambitions aside to support Beryl’s career, traveling across Europe to back her competitions. Often, he slept in the family’s tricycle or under hedges to save money.
Their daughter, Denise Burton, often emphasized that Beryl’s achievements were also thanks to Charlie’s dedication. He was her mechanic, driver, nanny, and husband, balancing all these roles effortlessly.
When not racing, Beryl worked on a rhubarb farm near Flaxby, attributing her physical endurance to the long hours spent in the fields.
Redefining Women’s Cycling with Beryl Burton’s Talent
Denise grew up immersed in cycling, often traveling with her parents to club rides. She eventually followed in her mother’s footsteps, becoming a successful international cyclist.
In the early 1970s, mother and daughter began riding for the national team. In 1973, Beryl won the National Road Race Championship, edging out Denise. Three years later, Denise turned the tables, winning the title, leading to a memorable incident where Beryl refused to shake her daughter’s hand on the podium. Despite this, they continued cycling together, setting a British women’s tandem record in 1982.
Beryl held the men’s 12-hour time trial record for two glorious years in the 1960s. In 1967, she rode an astonishing 277.25 miles, even surpassing Mike McNamara, her male competitor. She famously handed him a packet of sweets mid-race to console him as she overtook him.
Beryl Burton entered cycling when it was in its infancy. Her records remained competitive even as cycling technology advanced. Her talent, determination, and unyielding spirit showcased what could be achieved with dedication. Though underappreciated during her lifetime, Beryl inspires a new generation of women and cyclists.