In 1948, the 14th Olympic Games were held in London. This programme
illustrates events held as part of the cycling competition. Most of these
events took place on Wednesday 11 August at Herne Hill in south-east
London.
Cycling at Herne Hill
The cycle track at Herne Hill was originally built in 1891. It could
accommodate up to 15,000 spectators. The cycle events that took place at
the track included racing on tandem bicycles (two-seaters). The longer
distance competition was held on a road course in Windsor Great Park,
Surrey.
Olympics in London
The 14th Olympics were opened by King George VI on 29 July at Wembley
Stadium. Six thousand competitors took part from 58 different countries.
These Olympic Games were the first to be transmitted by television to
people's homes.