Mr Fred Wood, Native of Rushden, Dies at South Shields World Champion of Cycling Track - Holder of Records Councillor Fred Wood, formerly the world’s champion cyclist, who died at South Shields on Monday, was a native of Rushden, and, although he left the town when a young man, had continued to keep in touch with a few of his old friends here. He was 73 years of age, and his death followed head injuries received in a fall down the cellar steps at the ‘Mariner’s Arms,’ the South Shields hostelry of which Mr Wood was the licensee. Mr Wood began work in Rushden at the age of six and was later apprenticed to a box-maker. As a youth he became prominent in local sport, but his first important successes on the cycling track occurred at Leicester, and from 1880 to 1889 he had a brilliant run of victories. At the opening of the Belgrave-road ground, Leicester, in 1880, he took first prize in the mile amateur handicap, and in the following week finished second twice at Ashby, and in a similar position at Loughborough. At the end of that year he decided to become a professional rider, entering for the six days race at Edinburgh, where he rode 183 miles without dismounting, covering a total distance of 901 miles, although he was not amongst the ‘placed’ men. It was at Leicester in August 1883, that he secured the belt for the 20 miles’ championship of the world for the third time in succession. The last mile was ridden in the marvellous time of 2mins. 31 2.5secs. Mr Wood was the holder of more open records than any other cyclist, winning every championship race from one mile to fifty. Among his successes were: Winner three times in succession of gold and silver belt for the 25 miles championship of the world 1885-6; winner of gold chronograph, presented for the world’s record one mile handicap by Springfield Cycling Club, U.S.A., in 2mins 35 2.5secs, 1885; winner of diamond medal presented by Hartford, U.S.A., Cycling Club for fastest mile ever made in open bicycle race, 2mins. 33secs., 1886; winner of large Jubilee silver cup, won three times in succession against Australians, picked amateurs, 1887; and winner of diamond and ruby medal, presented by ‘Sport and Play,’ for winning his last great championship race against England and America at Aston, Birmingham, 1889. Mr Wood joined the South Shields Town Council in 1914 and became an Alderman in 1931. He left the Council a year later, but was re-elected in 1933. He and his wife, who survives him, last year celebrated their golden wedding.