Warwick Dalton

Now also available in a Kindle edition.

In the 1950s, cycling in New Zealand entered a new era, as post-war patriotism and economic good times changed people’s approach to sport. As many professional cycling clubs waned, the amateur ranks surged ahead. Warwick Dalton’s extensive career led him to victory in both amateur and professional races, in New Zealand and overseas.

A remarkable all-rounder, Dalton won 11 New Zealand track titles as well as the North Island Dulux Six-Day Tour, the Taranaki Round-the-Mountain and the Tour of Southland (three times). Dalton took greatest pride in overseas events such as victory in the 4-up kilo pursuit at the World Revenge Series, claiming the green jersey throughout the Tour of Britain and winning the final stage in the Tour of Sweden.

Like the “Wizard” Phil O’Shea, Dalton excelled at all distances. Like the “Mile Eater” Harry Watson, he put New Zealand on the international cycling stage. And like the enduring Bill Pratney, Dalton has raced, on and off, for most of his life.