JIMMY LINGON PROFESSIONAL

Shortly before leaving for France, Warburton had arranged for Linton to undertake a challenge for the world One-Hundred Miles Record at the newly built Herne Hill Velodrome in London. In the winter of 1893 Linton and Warburton travelled to France to undertake a season of competitive races at the Vélodrome d'hiver in central Paris.

JIMMY LINGON PROFESSIONAL

Warburton became Linton's manager and he accepted a professional contract with Gladiator Cycles. Linton overcame a strong field to be crowned champion and was spotted by ex-champion sprinter, James 'Choppy' Warburton. In the summer of 1893 Linton entered the 'Gold Cup' held at Fallowfield Stadium in Manchester. In 1893 Linton entered the 24-hour 'Cuca Cocoa Challenge Cup' in London, and despite leading at one stage he was forced to retire after coming under intense pressure from the eventual winner, England's Frank Shorland. His brother Samuel was also succeeding as a racer, but after a few accidents he gave the sport up. īy 1890 Linton had entered and won several races both in South Wales and in England. His first bike was a penny-farthing, but he later switched to a safety bicycle, a more suitable and lower racing bike. Linton himself began making a name for himself as a cyclist whilst still a teen. One of four brothers, his eldest brother John was also a coal miner, but it was Linton's passion for cycling that enthused his two younger brothers Tom and Samuel, both of whom were successful bike racers. Linton grew up in the Welsh coal mining village of Aberaman, and at the age of 12 began working down the mine at the Treaman colliery as a door-boy, later becoming a haulier. The family moved to south Wales when Linton was three. There is disagreement as to Linton's date of birth, with many sources stating he was born in 1872, though this is challenged by the 1881 Census which returns the date of 1868. Linton was born in 1868 in Seavington St Michael, Somerset in England to John, innkeeper of the 'Volunteer', and his wife Sarah.

Jimmy lingon