Ron Roach, Tom Simpson and a Welsh 'Woman in White'
In cycle racing's short history - it began around about 1881 - the figure of 'Il Campionissimo' - Fausto Coppi - looms as large as any. Perhaps, as his nickname suggests, he was the greatest champion with exploits that are logged in all media time and time again. It was however, a romance, off the bike, that brought him to both unsurpassed fame and notoriety in his native land, and beyond. At the height of his powers in 1955 both Fausto and his lover (for whom he had fled married life) were put on trial for the Italian crime of 'adultery' and declared guilty! Around this a legend has grown with 'The Woman in White' (Guilia Occhini) vilified to this day in certain quarters of her homeland.
The Welsh 'Woman in White' is much harder to establish but, there she is on the right hand side protected from the weather by a traditional white Welsh plastic 'mac. The lady concerned is Ron Roach's sister, both no longer with us and her connection with the greats of the cycling world? No less than Tom Simpson, a competitor in the track racing, future World Champion, son of a miner and as legend has it the 'companion' of Miss Roach during the Games.
Ron himself resumed his working life underground following the Games and kept a pub (see section on the Junior Tour of Wales) until he passed away during this last winter.
Wales/Italy, two gentle stories, one which may be a mining legend
(pictures from estate of the late Ron Good, Marshfield)
