Alan Woodman - the first Kiwi International

Alan Woodman - Pic Supplied Graeme Staples

Even before the formation of the NZACU in 1916 , motorcycle racing had it's fair share of heroes in New Zealand some who would even venture overseas , a trip which was some undertaking especially when travelling to the Isle of Man.

Alan Woodman was the first New Zealander to ride in the Isle of Man TT in 1910. Woodman who was from Blenheim had traveled to England to race at the famous Brooklands board track where he took a second and third on V-Twin Indian. He then travelled to the Isle of Man with the same bike late in May 1910. In those days the race was run over the 15 mile St Johns Course. It was a demanding track , with bikes having to be pushed up some sections and it was gravel surface all the way.

A section of the track had not been prepared correctly and Alan punctured his front tyre , repaired he set off again only to hit a wall after the tyre let go throwing rider and bike in to a wall. His right leg was badly injured and eventually was amputated near his hip.

Not letting the fact that he was missing one leg worry him , he attempted to return to race at the Isle of Man in 1911. His entry was refused even after a petition was organised .

Returning to race in New Zealand . In 1915/16 season he would win the New Zealand Middleweight Championship of New Zealand on a Triumph in Christchurch and followed that up with another Championship in the 1923/24 season by winning Lightweight New Zealand Championhip. Both run on grass track around horse racing tracks all while racing with just one leg.

It was said that Alan always did well on anti-clockwise tracks where he could still use his left leg to slide. What-ever the result Alan Woodman certainly was one tough rider  and a true legend.

Alex Anderson - Photo Unknown

The next New Zealand rider to race at the Isle of Man was William Johnston who rode in the 1911 IOMTT breaking down in lap 5 of the Senior race. John Foubister from NZ suffered a practice crash at Sulby Bridge in 1913 and sustained head and leg injuries so was out then in 1914 came  Alex Anderson(left) from Palmerston North ,despite a good trial(practice) ,he unfortunately broke down in the Senior TT riding a Triumph.

Percy Coleman would become the first NZACU representative rider to race at the Isle of Man in 1930 after New Zealand had become affiliated to the ACU of Great Britian. but it was not until 1933 that Sid Moses would be the first New Zealand rider to finish an Isle of Man TT .

words: Ian Dawson