Historical information

Russell Mockridge b1928 d1958 was described 'as the greatest cyclist of all time'. He died during a race in collision with a bus that also claimed the lives of two fellow riders and a spectator. Mockridge started in 1946 by winning his first race of 40km with the Geelong Amateur Cycling Club. His wins soon earned him the nickname of the Geelong Flyer. He represented Australia at the London Olympic Games in 1948 and the Helsinki Games in 1952. He also represented Australia in the 1950 British Empire Games in Auckland where he took gold in the 1000 sprint and the 1000m time trial and silver in the 4000m pursuit. In Paris 1952 he won the Amateur Grand Prix and the following day the Open Grand Prix, beating world professional champion Reg Harris. Later that year he won Manchester Wheelers Club Muratti Cup again beating Reg Harris. He turned professional a year later and teamed with Sid Patterson and Roger Arnold to win the Paris 6 day race in 1955. Mockridge was one of 60 of 150 entrants to finish the 1955 Tour de France. He won 12 consecutive Australian championships. Mockridge was married and had a daughter, Melinda (1955)

Significance

Russell Mockridge was described 'as the greatest cyclist of all time'. He achieved international notoriety as a cyclist from the mid 1940s until his death in 1958, representing Australia in the Olympic games, the Commonwealth Games, The Tour de France and other international high profile cycling events.

Physical description

Framed print of Russell Mockridge in cycling attire. Head and shoulders depiction. Mockeridge is wearing a leather cycling helmut and white cycling shirt typical of cycling gear of that era. The frame is wooden with gold mount and has a wire hanger on the reverse side.