The late 70s and early 80s was a great time for cycling, there were many 'heroes of the road', not just Eddy Merckx, but a load of Belgians and Italians. Johan De Muynck was a classy rider, but he was up against the system that kept the top men... at the top. Ed Hood finds out more.

Al Cabbad’s email directions instructed me to “walk up one block to Flatbush, then a half to 5th Ave. Make a right on 5th for five quick blocks. Hopefully you will be shocked enough to let all Pez readers know about us!” And I was on my way to Brooklyn to meet R&A Cycles.