I just watched this on TCM for maybe the 10th time, and I've always wondered why they taped his feet to the pedals after he falls. I assume to keep him on the bike, but certainly he wouldn't have given up the race under any circumstances so why the tape?
shareIn those days, really good racing bikes had leather straps and toe clips to hold the rider's feet to the pedal. That allows to push down with one foot while pulling up with the other. Now I think they have a socket arrangement on the shoe sole and a cleat on the pedal. Anyway, you'd strap one foot in before taking off and then get the other one in after you started moving.
The Little 500 allowed no alterations to the stock bicycle, so to simulate the toe strap without altering the bike, they taped his shoes to the pedals.
Cool. Thanks for the explanation.
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