Choppy Warburton

The Tour De France approaches and the glamorous hi-tech world of modern cycle sport might seem far removed from the clog and shawl era of east Lancashire, but in 1896 Britain’s Arthur Linton won the Bordeaux-Paris race in record time, and his trainer was “Choppy” Warburton, one-time landlord of the Fisher’s Arms in Blackburn’s Birley Street.

 “Choppy,” born James E. in Haslingden in 1842, came to Blackburn in 1877.  He was already an accomplished runner with some remarkable victories under his belt. He trained on Cob Wall cricket ground and in the disused weaving shed of Daisy Street Mill, an early version of an all weather track.

 Distance was no object to “Choppy:” he was comfortable racing two miles or twenty. He broke records and the pride of many of the country’s professional runners.  It is said he once ran for 24 hours without stopping.  Choppy went to America and had some notable victories there, becoming a great favourite with American race fans.  When his running days were over, “Choppy” took to training cyclists and became well-known in France.

  His nick-name came from his sea-going father, who, when asked how the weather had been on his recent voyage, invariably replied: “choppy.”  “Choppy” died in Wood Green, London on the 17th of December 1897.  His success on the track had not made him any money; the only money found in his house after his death was three half-pence.