Britain’s first Tour de France stage winner, Yorkshireman Brian Robinson, is looking for a temporary home for his incredible collection of Tour memorabilia on the run-up to Yorkshire’s Grand Départ. Robinson, whose career ran alongside some of the of great Tour winners such as Fausto Coppi and Jacques Anquetil, has brought together a wealth of items from his own Tour de France days as well as others typical of the period including shoes he wore on his first venture into the race in 1955 and a drinking bottle from the same year, signed by himself and the only other British finisher, Tony Hoar. He is now looking for a museum or public exhibition venue to safely host the collection for the public to enjoy.
Mr Robinson, now 83, said: ‘I’m extremely proud that the Tour is coming to my home county and it would be brilliant if we can find a home for these rare items while the race is here and in the lead up to it too. I have kept things which of course have wonderful memories for me, like my shoes and even the original 1955 Tour road book, but I’d love to be able to share those memories with the public.’
The collection also includes a 1950’s Gitane bicycle of the type ridden by Robinson during his glory days as well as a replica jersey from his team Gitane/St Raphael.
Robinson adds: Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to see my stuff on display. It’s all about showing that we here in Yorkshire have a great sporting heritage and inspiring the riders of the future.’
Any organisations interested in helping should contact Graham Poucher at Welcome to Yorkshire here
