Prior to gaining independence from France in 1962, a number of early season races used to take place in Algeria in the cities of Algiers and Oran.

Pioneering Irish professional cyclist took his first pro victory in one of these, the Grand Prix de l’Echo d’Alger in 1956. The races used to attract many of the big names of the era including Louison Bobet and Jacques Anquetil.

Below is footage from the 1960 Criterium de l’Echo d’Oran, where Elliott took victory ahead of André le Dissez and Pierre Everaert. It was the last edition of the race. Shortly after the Algerian War ended in 1962, most of the Europeans living in the city fled back to France.

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