Peter Doyle was one of the finest amateur cyclists of his era and arrived at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games having won the Tour of Ireland, finished third overall in the Tour of Britain – winning both the points and king of the hills classifications – won the national road race title and won the king of the hills classification in the Tour of Scotland, all in 1968.

He competed in the men’s Olympic road race, retiring after 45 miles on a course that proved one of the most demanding in the history of the event, at 2,134 metres altitude in intense heat. Forty-five miles into the race he was maintaining contact with the leading group, but the combined demands of altitude, heat and an exceptionally gruelling late-season schedule took their toll. Of 144 starters, 80 abandoned – among the retirees was Joop Zoetemelk, future Tour de France winner.

Doyle’s class as a cyclist was beyond question; his Mexico appearance came at the end of the most successful season of his career.