Norman Sheil 1932-2018

Time trial and pursuit legend remembered

Norman Sheil was a star pursuiter and time triallist of the 1950s, most famous for his two Commonwealth Games 4,000m pursuit wins in 1954 and 1958, and for becoming the first man to go under 56 minutes for 25 miles, in 1957. He also won two world pursuit titles, and was part of the British Tour de France team in 1960 alongside Tom Simpson.

After hanging up his wheels he went on to coach the Great Britain team for eight years and, after moving to Canada, spent time coaching the Canadian squad.

Former British pro Ian Hallam, who was also a multiple Olympic medallist, was one of the riders Sheil took under his wing while coaching the British team.

“So sad to hear that Norman Sheil passed away,” Hallam wrote on his Facebook page. “I was very lucky to have been coached by him from the age of 17 years. He made me the rider I was. He was knowledgeable and wise and always had a great sense of humour. He will be truly missed.”

Sheil, who was born in Liverpool in 1932, began his club riding career with the Liverpool Phoenix Cycling Club in 1948, quickly taking to time trials. After a two-year break to do his National Service as a navy signalman from 1951-53 Sheil went on to the Commonwealth Games (then known as the British Empire and Commonwealth Games) in Vancouver and won the individual pursuit. Cycling described his ride in the all-england final against Pete Brotherton as “one of the finest English rides ever”.

Four years later Sheil added a second Commonwealth IP gold to his palmarès in another all-england final, this time against a young Tom Simpson in Cardiff. “Master Sheil: Spectacular Simpson,” ran the Cycling and Mopeds headline.

In the interim, Sheil’s landmark 25-mile record saw him produce the first sub-56 minute ride, riding 55.51 on a 48x15 fixed gear. It was also a period that saw him crowned world pursuit champion twice.

Sheil passed away peacefully at the Upper Canada Lodge retirement home on October 25 in Niagara-on-the-lake, Ontario.

“Sheil did the first sub56 minute ‘25’ trial”