WORLD CHAMPION PC – 50 YEARS ON!

FIFTY years ago today (Saturday) Peter Collins headed a memorable one-two for England in the World Final in Poland.

On September 5, 1976 Collins scored 14 points from five rides at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzow (Katowice) to be crowned World Champion.

Having won his first four rides, he knew heading into Heat 20 that second place would enough, and he duly secured that position behind previous four-time champion Ivan Mauger.

Malcolm Simmons completed the England one-two with 13 points, winning his last three rides, whilst Australian racer Phil Crump took third place on the podium ahead of Mauger.

Collins was the first English rider to be crowned World Champion in 14 years, following on from Peter Craven’s triumph in 1962.

Three other English riders competed in an historic Final with John Louis scoring nine points, Doug Wyer eight and Chris Morton six.