Reginald Arnold

Reg Arnold (9 October 1924 – 23 July 2017) was a pioneering cyclist renowned for his exceptional achievements during the mid-20th century.

Born in Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Arnold's cycling journey began in 1941 when he received a bicycle from his brothers. Despite being blind in one eye due to a childhood accident, he joined the Ashfield Cycling Club in Sydney. There, he quickly established himself as a formidable track sprinter, capturing several state titles and showcasing his resilience and determination.

After World War II, Arnold embarked on an illustrious international career, competing in Europe, America, and Australia between 1946 and 1963. He specialised in Six Day racing, participating in 103 Six Day events worldwide and securing 16 victories. Notably, he won the Gent Six twice, the Antwerp Six five times, the Berlin Six twice, and the Euro Madison Championships twice. In 1952 and 1957, he was a member of the team that clinched the European Madison Championships, regarded as the de facto world title at the time.

“Probably his biggest victory was the Paris Six Day of 1955, which he won with fellow Australians [Russell] Mockridge and Sid Patterson,” said nephew and biographer Marcus Arnold.

“I actually tracked down the trophy they won at that race in 1955 and held it in my hands last October in a museum in Belgium, which was quite an emotional experience.

“It’s hard to single out one highlight, but he was very proud of a couple of rainbow jerseys he had in his possession. They were rainbow jerseys which he wore when he partnered with Stan Ockers, the 1955 world road champion, in the Antwerp 1956 Six Day race. There were actually four occasions he wore a rainbow jersey in a Six Day.”

Beyond Six Day races, Arnold was a versatile cyclist, excelling in various disciplines. He was a world-class sprinter, omnium rider, and pursuit specialist, reaching the quarterfinals in several world championships. His adaptability extended to road racing, where he was an excellent time-trialist and climber, capable of competing in diverse terrains and conditions.

“He had a tough upbringing without a father, went to Europe with nothing and through pure determination broke into the big time,” said Marcus Arnold.

“He was a true pioneer for Australian cyclists who followed Six Day champions. Danny Clark and Graeme Gilmore credit Reg with paving the way for them. I know Robbie McEwen has mentioned that Reg made it easier for people like him to ride professionally in Europe.”

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to Australian cycling, Arnold was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000. In the 2012 Queen's Birthday Honours, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to the sport of cycling.

Arnold passed away on 23 July 2017 in Nerang, Queensland, aged 92, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.

“For me personally, it has been my ambition to document Reg's achievements because he raced mostly overseas and was a relative unknown in Australia,” said Marcus Arnold, who wrote the book Reginald Arnold: Six Day Man.

“Even his family were mostly unaware of what he did.

“I spent many hours, over many years talking to Reg and taping the amazing stories and anecdotes he had.

“The book Six Day Man has been well received by all who have read it and has given Reg the recognition he deserves. To be also now officially acknowledged by AusCycling is a huge honour and his family and I are overjoyed and just so proud - and grateful to the people from AusCycling who have made this happen.”