Malcolm Elliott
One of Britain's best-loved and most successful riders of all time, Malcolm Elliott, turns 50 today.
Most famed for his two stage victories in the Vuelta a Espana, Elliott has been national road race (1993), hill climb (1980) and pursuit champion (1985), masters world champion (2006) and also competed in the Olympics and the Tour de France.
Despite initially retiring from the professional scene over a decade ago, Elliott cannot shake off the racing bug, as proved by his decision to continue competing domestically with the Motorpoint in this, his ninth season since he returned to the peloton.
His spirit and enthusiasm remains as strong as ever, but for the last two months he's been affected by a mystery illness that affects him on the bike.
"It was at the Rutland Melton CiCLE Classic (in April) when this first began," he told Cycling Weekly at last Sunday's National Championships.
"It's not really an illness as such, its just something that happens down my windpipe - whenever I try and make an effort it immediately feels as rough as a cactus."
Elliott was forced to miss several rounds of the Tour Series, the scene of his last individual victory in 2009.
Thankfully, he's hopeful that things will improve in the next few weeks.
There's nothing sinister there luckily, it just seems to be an irritated larynx. It's got me doing inhalations three times a day which should help moisturise it as it's super dry."
When asked what his plans were for today, he said that he'll be spending it with friends and family. Hopefully his sore throat doesn't stop him from having a glass or two of wine - he deserves.
Happy birthday, Malcolm!
Malcolm Elliott : A career in pictures
Time trialling at the start of his professional career
The familiar sight of Elliott winning, this time in Northampton, 1986
Millar talks to the media, Kellogs Tour of Britain
Elliott tackling the Puy-de-Dome during the 1988 Tour de France
Elliott wins the East Midlands International CiCLE Classic, 2007
Blackpool Nocturne, 2009
His last win to date: Durham Tour Series round, 2010
British sprint kings: Cavendish and Elliott at last Sunday's National Championships
Malcolm Elliott : The teams
Ti Raleigh-Weinmann (1984), Raleigh (1985), ANC-Halfords (1986-87), Fagor (1988), Teka (1989-90), Seur (1991-92), Chevrolet-LA Sheriffs (1993-96), Comptel (1997).
Pinarello-Assos (2003-05), Plowman Craven (2006), Pinarello RT (2007-08), CandiTV-Marshalls Pasta (2009), Motorpoint-Marshalls Pasta (2010), Motorpoint Pro Cycling (2011).
Malcolm Elliott: The victories
2010
Halfords Tour Series, winner, round
2007
East Midlands International Cicle Classic
Shay Elliott Memorial
Newport Nocturne
2006
British Elite circuit series; overall
UCI World masters road championship
Chas Messenger Three Day; overall
2005
FDB Insurance Ras; stage
Trofeo International
2004
FDB Milk Ras; two stage
s
Girvan Three Day; overall
and two stage
s
Beaumont Trophy
Premier Calendar; overall
British Elite Circuit series; overall
Tour of Mallorca; overall
Trofeo International
2003
Havant International GP
1997
Tour Lefleur
Jackson Criterium
1996
Killington Stage race; overall
and three stages
Manhattan Beach Grand Prix
Tour of Mendoza
1995
Tour DuPont; stage
Killington Stage Race; two stages
1994
Redlands Stage Race; overall
Killington Stage Race; two stages
First Union Grand Prix
1993
British road race champion
Redlands Classic; overall
and stage
First Union Grand Prix
1992
Tour of the Mining Valleys; stage
1991
Trofeo Masferrer
Torres Vedras; overall
1990
Tour of Catalonia; two stages
Tour of the Americas; three stage
s
Tour of Cantabria; two stages
Tour of the Basque Country; stage
1989
Vuelta a Espana; points competition and stage
Semana Catalana; two stages
Castilla y Leon; two stages
Tour of Galicia; stage
Kellogg's Tour of Britain; prologue
1988
Vuelta a Espana; stage
Tour of Aragon; stage
Kellogg's Tour of Britain; overall, prologue and stage
1987
Milk Race; overall
and five stages
Nissan Classic; three stages
Tour of Lancashire; overall
and stage
1986
Kellogg's Circuit series; two wins and overall
Milk Race; two stages
Sun Tour; two stage
s
1985
Sun Tour; overall
British professional pursuit champion
1984
Sealink International
British national criterium champion
Reader comments
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Andrew Parker
July 01 12:20
All the best Malcolm. You are an inspiration to all the over 40's out there. Keep up the good work and hope to see you in this years Tour of Britain.
chris meads
July 01 13:00
A true legend of the international cycling scene. All the best Malcolm and lets hope we see you back to your best soon
Tim Howcroft
July 01 15:19
What a rider. I've watched Malcolm race from the days of Kellogs city centre racing to last sundays nationals. I reckon there's still a couple of years at top flight still in him. Happy birthday & will see you at the East Riding premier. Regards Tim & Sheldon (Otley CC)
Phil O'Connor
July 01 20:27
Nice to see some of my old pics of Malcolm getting used again! I will be 50 next month and Malcolm's never ending career has been a constant reminder to me of how tragic my general fitness has become over the past 10 years in particular. Without a doubt one of Britain's finest riders of all time. Happy Birthday Malcolm!
Matthew Leonard
July 01 22:35
I remember thinking that Sid Barras wasdoing well for his age in the Kelloggs Criteriums of the mid 80s but ME is now about 14 years older and still out there, kudos!!