As recalled by Dave Hearn
Constance Eileen Sheridan (new Shaw) was born in Coventry on October 18th 1923. She passed away on February 12th 2023, aged 99 years.She married Ken Sheridan in 1942. In 1944 she joined Coventry Cycling Club. She enjoyed touring at first without any racing interest or ambitions, saying club camaraderie was the greatest thing she got from riding her bike. However after riding a club time trial (and breaking the club record in the process) she got the racing bug.
At 4 feet 11 inches she became known as the Mighty Atom and went on the break each and every women’s cycling record in the 1940’s and 1950’s. This included 12 hour and 24 hour time trial records plus Land’s End to John O ‘Groats.In 1951 she turned professional and signed a contract to ride for Hercules Cycles, continuing to re-write the record books.
One of her Hercules cycles is on display in Coventry Transport Museum.
After retirement she remained in cycling to some degree.
CTC Coventry we’re delighted to have her as guest of honour at their 75 anniversary dinner 1996. (See page 13 of our 75th Anniversary Booklet.)
A lovely lady who will be remembered alongside Beryl Burton as possibly the greatest British female cyclist ever. She will be greatly missed.