TRIBUTES have been pouring in for legendary Coventry cyclist Eileen Sheridan, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 99.
Nicknamed the ‘mighty atom’ due to her 4ft 11ins height, Eileen rewrote all 21 British women’s road records and in 1954 completed the Land’s End to John O’Groats route in two days, 11 hours and seven minutes.
Eileen was born in the city in 1923, joining the Coventry Cycling Club after developing a passion for the sport and later becoming club president.
British Cycling described Eileen as a ‘trailblazing cyclist, fearless record breaker and an inspiration to so many who followed.’
The charity Cycling UK, of which Eileen was a member, described her as one of the most celebrated cyclists of her generation, adding she was a ‘wonderful athlete and true inspiration.’
Sarah Mitchell, chief executive of Cycling UK, said: “We at Cycling UK are very sad to learn of Eileen’s passing.
“As a record-breaking road cyclist, some of whose records went unbeaten for decades, Eileen defied accepted notions of what women were capable of, blazing a trail in the saddle for others to follow.
“Eileen was a long-standing member of the Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC), now Cycling UK, after joining us in 1944.
“It’s inspiring to know that after her retirement from racing she still enjoyed her time cycling, whether she was riding with Coventry Cycling Club or touring around scenic spots with CTC Coventry.
“We’d like to send our condolences to her family and friends.”
Coventry author Aaron Ashmore featured Eileen’s remarkable achievements in his most recent book, ‘Coventry’s Sporting Moments.’
He said he was saddened to read the news about the passing of the ‘Coventry cycling speedster’, adding he had hoped to have given her a copy of his book.
West Midlands Cycling and Walking Commissioner Adam Tranter described Eileen as an incredible sporting hero and trailblazer.
Last year, Eileen was immortalised in steel as a figure of her was placed on the Lias Line, a disused railway route which is now Warwickshire’s longest greenway.
The figures were selected through a national campaign by the walking and cycling charity Sustrans, which asked residents to have their say on who they believed had made a positive impact on their local community over the last 70 years.
A Sustrans spokesperson said her figure on the National Cycle Network showed the regard she was held in.
