Erik Bohlin began his cycling career in 1921, buying his first proper competitive bicycle a year later. Bohlin finished second in his first race around the shores of the lake in his hometown of Orsa, Sweden. After receiving sponsorship, he then had the best year of his career in 1924, winning the individual time trial at the Nordic Championships, becoming the Swedish champion in both the 100 km and 170 km races, and winning bronze at the Olympics in Paris. Bohlin finished seventh in the individual road race at the Paris Olympics, with Sweden finishing third overall in the combined team event. He then won a 6-day race in 1926, before winning the 1927 edition of the Mälaren Runt one-day race in a then record time.
After his success in road cycling Bohlin changed careers and became an accomplished motorcycle rider. On a 250 cc machine he broke the Swedish speed record at an ice track event near Uppsala. Bohlin also had multiple TT wins and victories at 6-day races, along with wins at hill climb events. Arguably his biggest win came at the inaugural edition of the Swedish motorcycle Grand Prix in 1930.
Sweden