Semi-professionalism
Engers became an independent - a category between amateur and professional that existed until the mid-1960s - in 1960. His sponsor was Ted Gerrard, a bicycle dealer and one of the first to sell by mail-order. The independent category was intended to be a stepping stone to professionalism. Independents could ride in both amateur and professional races but were expected to decide after two years which they wanted to be.
The cycling bodies - the British Cycling Federation and the Road Time Trials Council - turned him down. He applied and was turned down again annually for the next seven years.
Read more about this topic: Alf Engers