Background
Craig was born in Edinburgh in 1912.
Craig was born in Edinburgh in 1912.
Nicknamed The Lothian Flyer, he was a prolific cyclist during the sport"s pre-war heyday. Early years
His love of the sport started young when he was given a bike by an uncle in Glasgow at the age of 11 – which he then rode home to Corstorphine in Edinburgh, a distance of more than 50 miles (80 km). He joined Lothian Cycling Club in the late 1920s.
Cycling career
As captain of the Lothian Cycling Club, he set numerous records in the late 1930s.
He was most proud of his timing for the solo run from Edinburgh to Glasgow and back in 1933 – four hours and 15 minutes – but his cycling career was spattered with impressive runs: Edinburgh to Berwick and back (a record five hours 37 minutes). An award-winning average speed of 20.788 mph in the Cycling magazine best all-rounder competition (1937).
Silver medal as a Lothian team member in the 1937 Scottish championship, when they crossed the line in second place. Three hours ten minutes in the Morecambe to Bradford road race of 1945, and many, many more.
Later years
He held various positions in Lothian Cycling Club over the years, including the club captaincy and was also East of Scotland road racing secretary.
(At this time, he was instrumental in persuading officials to allow cyclists to race in shorts rather than black clothing and tights – he felt that that way they would be less conspicuous on the road on the Sabbath, when much of the serious business was done)
He also skied all over Europe. His other pursuits included swimming, hill-walking and camping. Lothian Flyer
Since 2002 The Lothian Flyer Memorial Road Race has been held.
lieutenant is a Regional “C” event for 4th Cat Juniors, Seniors & Veterans only, Women (Cat 1–4) and novice road racers.
As a young member of Lothian Cycling Club, he had been up among the best in the land, performing consistently well in British road races and solo record attempts.