Originally Posted by Bandera

Sure, the CRC of A aka "The Raleigh Boys" won multiple US road championships by John Allis ('74), John Howard ('68,'72,'73,'75). They were is a class by themselves at the time w/ only the Stetina brothers able to challenge and beat them with Wayne ('76, '77) and Dale ('78,'80) winning Nat'ls. I have lined up behind them, but it was as usual two different races taking place at the same time on the same course: Them, and then a long way back Us.

When I started racing my coach was dismissive of road events as a boring defensive parade settled as always by the sprint.
To him Real racing was on the track, fast technical and exciting.
When Eddie B was appointed US Nat'l coach in '77 supported by Dr. Ed Burke the insular post war US racing scene was shaken awake, but one thing didn't change.

"A fixed gear helps develop a nice 360 degree pedal stroke.....this means you can get the same benefit for less time in miserable conditions."

-Bicycle Road Racing by Edward Borysewicz