Peter Nelson

Peter Nelson (26 April 1931 – 2 February 1977) was an Australian Olympic road and track cyclist. He was South Australian state champion in 1950 for the 15, 25 and 50-mile events, and again in 1953 for the 50-mile events. He attended the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki as part of the Australian road cycling team in the 190 km event and in the track team for the 4000 m team pursuit. Biography Peter Nelson was born on 26 April 1931 in Black Forest, South Australia, the son of wheelwright and automotive manufacturing engineer Frederick Nelson, and his wife Winifred (née Mostyn). He was educated at Christian Brothers College, Adelaide. Nelson won his first race as a 16-year-old in 1947, and thereafter committed himself to become a professional cyclist. Jim Nestor, a two-time Olympian, took interest in him and encouraged him to train as a road cyclist and to join a club. Nelson joined the Sturt Cycling Club, based at the outdoor velodrome at Edwardstown Recreational Ground. His resolution and commitment paid off. In 1950 he was 15, 25 and 50 mile state champion and was included on the state senior team. He was successful in the 100 mile Mail Run and won the Adelaide-Milang one day classic.