The era of track star Ekimov
A20-year-old Viatcheslev Ekimov graces this week’s cover, riding to another track title with a skinsuit that was ahead of its time, a sleek looking bike, but a riding position that was most likely scooping all the air straight into a gaping great hole before it hit his body. Like pushing a massive bucket into a 50kph headwind.
The Russian was virtually unbeatable on the track, setting fastest times at sea level, outdoors and in. He would remain amateur until the 1988 Seoul Olympics where he was part of the winning team pursuit squad. The Russians dominated track cycling at Seoul, winning three out of the five men’s events, medalling in the other two and winning the only women’s title, the match sprint.
More than 20 years his senior, Scot Sandy Gilchrist is interviewed on page 12. At this time Gilchrist had an incredible 238 championship medals to his name and was still winning vets titles. He ran his own bike shop in Edinburgh and had just been appointed as Scottish road manager, a job for which he had big plans. “I shall be looking after the road teams, time trials, women, juniors and seniors,” he said. “My basic plan is to find riders… and get a squad together.”
He also wanted a development squad and was himself looking for sponsors. “I will try to organise and run our national team as you would a professional team. This means that when they are on national business they must dress accordingly.” One of the names he highlights is a young Brian Smith who would go on to become British champion on the road and ride for Motorola – now a commentator with Eurosport.
Gilchrist still works as a mechanic for national teams at international events and is probably the best known person in track centre at any major competition.
Another legend in this week’s magazine was Ray Booty, one of Britain’s greatest testers. ‘The Boot’ states that while he has no interest in racing again, “I still cannot find anything to beat a good day out riding in the Peak District on a racing bike. Preferably to a pub.” Sounds great to us.