By Jonathan Kennett, et al. The Europeans laughed at his old-fashioned technology and predicted that he would never make it in the Tour de France, the world's hardest and most prestigious cycling race. But in 1928 Harry Watson, the first New Zealander to enter, became the favourite underdog. He returned to New Zealand a hero, and cemented his claim to greatness by winning almost every long-distance cycling race in New Zealand during the early 1930s, creating several enduring records along the way. The tall, quiet rider was a protege of the great Phil O'Shea, and became his successor in an illustrious line of New Zealand Cycling Champions. For cycling inspiration, look no further.
