John Beasley (cyclist)

Beasley was born on 13 July 1930 in Footscray, Victoria.^[10] He was the son of John Joseph "Jack" Beasley who was a leading rider in the 1920s.^{[11] [12]} His brothers Clinton and Vin and sons John and Russell have made significant contributions to Australian cycling.^{[8] [12]}

In 1947, he started professional cycle racing as 17 year old and as a result never raced as an amateur.^[8] In 1951 the Sporting Globe organised a public fundraising scheme to help send Beasley, Dean Whitehorn, Peter Anthony, and Eddie Smith to Europe to race.^[8] In 1952, he raced in the Paris–Nice race and finished 28th.^[8] He subsequently was offered a contact by the Luxembourg international team and raced in the 1952 Tour de France.^[8] He was eliminated from the race after Stage 2 after having a fall and mechanical problems.^[8] In 1955 Tour de France, Beasley and fellow Australian Russell Mockridge were part of the Luxembourg international team.^[8] Beasley withdrew after Stage 3 after suffering the effects of food poisoning after a seafood meal in Le Havre just prior to the race.^{[8] [13]}

In 1951 Beasley rode in the Tour of the West, a five-stage race over 623.5 miles (1,003.4 km) in the Hartley Team with Clinton Beasley, and Keith and Max Rowley. John won stage 3 ^[5] and the general classification.^[8]

Beasley retired in 1961 after winning the Wonthaggi 140 mile Handicap Race.^[8] In 1961, he took over running the family business Beasley Cycles in Footscray, Victoria after his father died.^[8] He was a mechanic for the Australian teams at 1982 Commonwealth Games and 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.^[8]

In 2000, he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal.

• John Beasley at Cycling Archives
• Official Tour de France results for John Beasley