Torchy Peden's Madison Square Garden Show Card

Torchy with some of his many trophies.

"Torchy" Peden was one of the greatest cyclists of his era and in the 1930's CCM presented him with a gold-plated bicycle that he rode in special exhibitions. He was the world champion long-distance cyclist in 1934 and at the height of his career he earned as much as $50,000 a year - a huge sum during the depths of the great Depression. "Torchy" - so named by a 1927 columnist who described the red headed youngster as the "flame haired Victoria youth [who] led the pack like a torch" - was a tireless cyclist who missed winning at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics because of three tire punctures and food poisoning. He turned pro in 1930 and finished 145 of 148 races, winning 37 of them. As well, along with his brother Doug, he was a formidable force on the grueling six-day cycling circuit that the two dominated for years.

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saveonABOUT THE GREATER VICTORIA
SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Victoria enjoys a stellar sports history and we celebrate the many athletes, teams and builders who have contributed to that history.  Our displays are seen at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (1925 Blanshard St.)  through Gate Three.

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