Jeff Williams (cyclist)

In 1979 Williams won his first British National Hill Climb Championships[2] setting a new course record that still stands to this day.[3] A rival, Andy Hitchens, who remembers it well, said: "Williams looked like he'd been on starvation rations for months — he was built like a sparrow. Some people assume that there was a howling tailwind that day, but there wasn't. It was sunny, but cool.”[3] In 1980 Williams joined the Manchester Wheelers' Club and was expected to win International honours during the next two or three seasons.[4] Later that year he won his first stage in the Sealink International finishing four minutes clear.[4] However Williams was left disappointed in the National Hill Climb Championships that year beaten into second place by Malcolm Elliott by only one fifth of a second after being knocked off his bike whilst warming up and receiving a broken nose and severe bruising.[4] At the age of 21 Williams competed for Great Britain in the individual road race at the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games.[5][6] He was sponsored by Harry Hall Cycles.[7] Williams finished 47th, alongside Stephen Roche.[6] At the end of the 1980 season Williams publicly declared his intention of living and racing in France for the 1981 racing calendar with a view to turning professional[4] therefore joining the French club ACBB (Athletic Club de Boulogne Billencourt), Europe's most successful sports club.[8]

In 1982 Williams completed a unique double, of the British Road Race Championship and Hill Climb Championship becoming the first person ever to do so in the same season.[4] Williams competed in the individual road race at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane.[9][10][11]

In 1986 he joined Raleigh riding with Paul Sherwen, Mark Bell, Paul Watson and Jon Clay.[12] Williams retired at the end of the 1987 season. He was famed for his hill climbing ability and considered by many to be one of the most exciting riders, he scaled the heights throughout his career, but also plumbed the depths.[4]

Williams starred in the intro for the Channel 4 coverage of the Tour de France throughout the late 80s to mid 90s (see video Video on YouTube). The music was composed by Pete Shelley of the Buzzcocks.[13]

Jeff was brother-in-law to fellow Olympic cyclist Peter Longbottom (13 May 1959 – 10 February 1998).[6][14] He is also the younger brother of Mike Williams a former professional rider.[14]

1979

1st Tour of the Peaks

2nd Archer Grand Prix

2nd Overall, Premier Calendar

1st British National Hill Climb Championships

1980

1st stage 5, Sealink International

1st Archer Grand Prix

1st Tour of the Peaks

1st Tour of the Pennines (pro-am)

1st stage 2, Yorkshire Classic (Harrogate)

2nd British National Hill Climb Championships

47th Olympic Games, Road race

1981

1st Porthole Grand Prix[15]

2nd Grand Prix de la Ville de Lillers

2nd Paris – Ezy

2nd Tour of the Peaks

1st stage 2, Sealink International

1st British National Hill Climb Championships

1982

4th Overall, Circuit des Ardennes

4th Overall, Sealink International

1st stage 5, Sealink International

Winner of the British National Road Race Championships (Amateur)

2nd Archer Grand Prix

2nd Overall, Premier Calendar

16th Commonwealth Games, Road race

1st British National Hill Climb Championships

1983

2nd Hanley

6th Tour of the Cotswolds

1984

15th Overall, Milk Race

1985

2nd British National Road Race Championships (Amateur)

1986

3rd Wrekin

12th Overall, Milk Race

60th Overall, Nissan Classic

1987

1st Newby

• Jeff Williams at Cycling Archives
• "Cycle Base".