Graeme Obree
(b.1965)
Cycling
Inducted in 2010
Graeme Obree developed a keen interest in cycling as a youngster and regularly cycled long distances by his early teens. Graeme went on to regularly win senior races as a junior.
Francesco Moser’s hour record set in 1984 inspired Graeme and he went on to break it using his own ‘crouch’ position and a bike known as ‘Old Faithful’. He lost the record to fellow Brit, Chris Boardman six days later but made good by winning the World Pursuit title that year and regaining the record in Bordeaux, France the following year, covering 52.713kms.
His innovative riding styles were adopted by other riders before being banned by the governing body at the time.
Graeme broke several British records in his time as a professional athlete as well as winning seven British titles including the 1997 Time Trial Championship in which he rode in a conventional position in order to show his ability as an athlete.
In 2003, Graeme published his autobiography The Flying Scotsman, and a feature film of the same title was released in the UK, USA and Australia in 2007.
Key achievements
- Twice broke the world hour record
- (July 1993 – 51.596km and April 1994 – 52.713km)
- Pursuit World Champion – 4,000m pursuit (1993 and 1995)