J F Wilson Cycle Manufacturers

Jim was not only a Highly Successful Team Manager he found sponsorships such as Ovaltine, Airlite, Benelux, Tizer (BARR), Hi-Lift, Dare Grips, O'brien, etc. to create and run various winning teams one of which was the Elswick Hopper Team in 1958.

In short Jim Wilson was an amazing bike rider, athlete and person, considering he had come back from near fatal injuries after being left to fend for himself on the beaches at Dunkirk. Finally returning home, and having half his bowel removed (see story Lemonade and Turnips) the doctors at the time told his mother that he had no more than a year to live! To then go on and race and finish with distinction in the kind of races mentioned above showed phenomenal courage. Including 29th Overall in the FIRST PROPER Tour of Britain of 1951. Not today's ponce around England with a Hotel waiting for the riders at each stage finish.