Alf Strom with his racing partner Reg Arnold would pave the way for future Australian cyclists success in racing overseas. In 1945 they were chosen to represent Australia in the 800 kilometre Brighton to Glasgow race. They would compete in England, Europe and America - including wins in New York, London, Germany, Belgium, & France.
- Status: Pending1940Winner NSW Amateur Cycling Road Championships
- Status: Pending1941Winner NSW Amateur Cycling Road Championships
- Status: Pending1942Winner NSW Amateur Cycling Road Championships
Beginnings
Alf was educated in the district and lived with his parents at Chertsey Avenue, Bankstown. By 1943 he was residing at Gowrie Avenue, Punchbowl with his wife June. Alf started cycle racing in1934 and was a member of the Bankstown Amateur Cycle Club. He is only the second Cyclist in the Amateur Section of the Goulburn to Sydney Cycling Classic to register the fastest time for three consecutive years in 1937 (5:41:15), 38 (5:12:59) and 41(5:04:59).
Achievements
Strom's first 6 day win was in November 1949 in New York it took 2 and a half years of hard riding to reach the top of professional cycling in Europe. He raced approximately sixty 6 day races with Arnold winning 7 and the European Teams Racing Championship in Paris in 1952. In November 1950 Strom and Arnold were place 2nd in a 100 kilometres marathon race at the Paris Velodrome d'Hiver. Called the “Flying Kangaroos” by the French Press led for most of the race but lost on points in the last sprints to the French riders.
Post Representation
It is widely appreciated in the Cycling fraternity that Strom and Arnold were the initiators of the post war exodus of cyclists from Australia to England and Europe. During the late forties and fifties cyclists travelled at their own expense and organised their own venues whereas today they are assisted to travel abroad.