BRITISH cycling legend Eileen Sheridan has died aged 99.
Born in Coventry in 1923, the record-breaker was nicknamed the Mighty Atom due to her 4ft 11ins height.
She managed to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats in two days, 11 hours and seven minutes - a distance of nearly 900 miles - in 1954.
Incredibly, Sheridan stopped for the first time on that ride at Carlisle, 470 miles in, to attach lights and change into wet-weather clothes.
And once she reached John O'Groats, her break lasted less than two hours before hopping back into the saddle to break the 1,000-mile record.
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Her Land's End to John O'Groats effort was a feat that stood for 36 years before Pauline Strong went even faster.
Tributes poured in from the cycling world for Sheridan, who was eight months from turning 100.
British Cycling said: "British Cycling is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of trailblazing cyclist and Hall of Fame inductee Eileen Sheridan, at the age of 99.
"Eileen was a fearless record breaker and an inspiration to so many who followed.
"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time."
One fan called her "one of the greatest cycling champions in history".
Another wrote: "Sorry to hear that Eileen Sheridan has left us today, aged 99. An incredible sporting hero and trailblazer."
Incredibly, Sheridan broke all 21 of the records of the Women's Road Records Association - with five still unbeaten including her 20 hours 11 minutes and 35 seconds London to Edinburgh time.
Among her other achievements were her 12-hour distance of 237 miles and cycling from London to Birmingham in five hours and 22 minutes.
The time-trial and place-to-place specialist was crowned British Best All-Rounder twice and turned professional in 1951 when she signed for Hercules.
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But her Land's End to London record, smashing the previous best by 23 minutes, was disallowed because the attempt was publicised in the national press prior to the ride in a breach of the WRRA rules.
