 After a strong amateur period, primarily with the Dublin Wheelers, Elliott was the first Irish cyclist to make a mark as a professional rider in continental Europe.A late-starting but naturally talented rider, he spent most of his pro career riding as a "domestique" for team leaders such as Jacques Anquetil, and Anquetil's deputy Jean Stablinski.He came 2nd (to Stablinski) in the 1962 World Road Championship at Salò, Italy.