Peter Buckley
Epithet: Champion cyclist (1944-1969)
Record type: Biographies
Biography: From ‘New Manx Worthies’ (2006):
Because of his outstanding achievements in cycle racing, Peter Buckley's name came to be linked with racing motorcycling champion Geoff Duke. However his tragically early death put an end to lasting fame and possible fortune.
Peter was educated in Saddleworth, now part of Greater Manchester, and, on leaving school, he began employment as a goods clerk for the then British Railways. His enthusiasm for railways meant this job became almost a hobby, for as a child many hours of his summer holidays were spent at Peel railway station while staying with his Quayle grandparents.
His other enthusiasm was for cycling, which he took up seriously on obtaining his first racing bike at the age of sixteen and joining the Century Road Club in Oldham. His talent for cycle racing was very soon apparent with his winning many events at club level. Peter soon progressed to major events of international standing, riding for England, Great Britain and, using his Manx birth, eventually for the Isle of Man. He raced in various European countries, including Poland at the time of the Czechoslovakian rising of 1968. The British, being the only team from the 'decadent West', had a rather uncomfortable time there.
It was in 1963 that Peter first participated in the Isle of Man Cycling Week, finishing eleventh in the Viking Trophy Race. His subsequent results in the Island were seventh in the Manx International Race of 1965, followed in 1966 by a rather lowly 34th position, after riding too hard in the early stages. The following year, 1967, he finished fourth, a little ahead of the winner of that year's Tour de France. In the same year, he won the Manchester Division of the British Cycling Federation Road Racing Championship, was second in the British National Championship Road Race and was in the winning team of the Milk Race (Tour of Britain). Peter was the second British finisher at 22nd position in the Tour de L'Avenir in France, the amateur equivalent of the Tour de France. Because of his consistent performance throughout the season, he won the Star Trophy, awarded to the amateur rider gaining the most points in major races.
His three-week ride in the 1967 1500 mile Tour de Mexico also proved successful, as he won two stages, finishing third overall. Apart from a great ride, he earned the sobriquet 'Mexican Pete' - the result of his unassuming attitude. Other fine results include winning the 1968 Tour of Switzerland, third place in the 1969 Tour of Britain, first places in the Milk Race in Scotland and the gruelling Manx International three laps of the TT Mountain Course, again in 1969.
However, his greatest result was undoubtedly his gaining the Gold Medal in the 120 mile Cycling Road Race in the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, held in Kingston, Jamaica, winning by the tremendous margin of four minutes (these were the last games to include 'British Empire' in their title). An eyewitness described his ride as 'one of the finest pieces of individual courage in the games'. This last result would usually have meant automatic selection for the Olympic Games of 1968. However, this was not to be. Politics intruded, for in 1968 Peter spent some months in France, where he felt there was a more stimulating attitude towards cycle racing than in Britain. This stay was looked upon with suspicion by British cycling officialdom and he was only made reserve. However, he was awarded the Val Waterhouse Trophy by the British Cycling Federation for the year's best road race performance.
In 1966, Peter was presented with a silver salver with this inscription:
'A Tribute from the Government and
People of the Isle of Man
to Peter Buckley on winning the
Gold Medal in the 120 miles
Cycling Road Race Aug. 12th 1966.
"The Games' Best Performance"'
Peter was further honoured in 1966 by being voted Manx Sportsman of the Year and being made an honorary member of the Island's Manx Viking Wheelers Cycling Club. In 1969 disaster came at Hebden Bridge, while he was on a training ride. A dog ran into the road, causing Peter to be thrown from his machine. After two days in a coma, this fine young sportsman died. After subscriptions in his memory, the Peter Buckley Trophy came to be awarded for the best seasonal junior performance in England, while on the Island funds provided the Peter Buckley Memorial Seat, which stands by the side of the TT Mountain Course at the top of Creg Willy's Hill, his favourite prime (a section of the course where a cash prize is given to the first rider completing it). The residue of these funds helped with the cost of subsequent Commonwealth Games.
Peter Buckley had consistently turned down all offers to turn professional, for he had no intention of risking the loss of his great enjoyment of riding by adding the pressures of professional cycle racing. His British Empire and Commonwealth Games Gold Medal, formerly proudly displayed in his parents' home, has been exhibited in St German's Cathedral in Peel and, during the Year of Sport 1986, in the Manx Museum.
Biography written by Leslie Quilliam.
(With thanks to Culture Vannin as publishers of the book: Kelly, Dollin (general editor), ‘New Manx Worthies’, Manx Heritage Foundation/Culture Vannin, 2006, pp.36-7.)
Culture Vannin
#NMW
Nationality: Manx
Gender: Male
Date of birth: 2 August 1944
Date of death: 4 July 1969