Geoff Duke: The Stylish Champion

Author: Mick Walker

Geoff Duke: The Stylish Champion

This, the fifth in a series aimed at covering the careers of the world’s greatest motorcycle champions, highlights the man who was the first post-war superstar on two wheels, Geoff Duke.

Geoff Duke: The Stylish Champion is the story of the man who set new standards and dominated the World Championship scene, first on British Nortons and later Italian Gileros during the first half of the 1950s, gaining six titles in all.

Duke was the first man to win three 500cc world titles in succession, the first motorcyclist to win the coveted Sportsman of the Year award, and only the second motorcyclist to be honoured with an OBE.

Additionally, he set new standards of smoothness, which remain unsurpassed to the present day, and pioneered the use of a one-piece leather racing suit.

Upon his retirement from racing at the end of 1959, he was to remain closely involved in the sport and at various times carried out the tasks of consultant, team manager, clerk of the course – he was a true ambassador.

Geoff Duke: The Stylish Champion is lavishly illustrated with many previously unpublished photographs, making it a must-read for any motorcycling fan.