The pennants, scarves, plates & certficates - 20
ITEM N°566
BRACKE Ferdinand (B)
(né le 25.05.1939)
His Safety Prize pennant, awarded during the 1977 Tour de France
A leading specialist in track cycling and time trials, Ferdinand Bracke remains a major figure in Belgian cycling. Holder of the world hour record in 1967, a two-time world champion in the individual pursuit and winner of the 1971 Vuelta a España, he competed in nine editions of the Tour de France and won two stages.
In 1977, Ferdinand Bracke contested his final Tour de France whilst riding for the Lejeune-BP team. During that edition, he was awarded the Safety Prize, an honorary distinction recognising his responsible behaviour, caution and adherence to the rules within the peloton and the Tour caravan.
Made from a pale yellow satin fabric, this pennant is edged with an elegant gold braid. It bears the inscriptions ‘Tour de France’, ‘Prix Sécurité’ and ‘1977’ in large red letters. Ferdinand Bracke’s signature, affixed at the bottom, reinforces the authenticity and personal character of this item.
Beyond sporting achievements, this award serves as a reminder that the Tour de France also recognised riders for their exemplary conduct and attitude on the race’s roads.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël Grégoire Collections, this signed pennant preserves the memory of Ferdinand Bracke’s final participation in the Tour de France and bears witness to the importance attached to safety in the history of the Grande Boucle.
ITEM N° 565
BRACKE Ferdinand (B)
(25.05.1939)
His ‘Prix de l’Amabilité’ pennant, awarded during the 1977 Tour de France
A leading specialist in track cycling and time trials, Ferdinand Bracke remains a prominent figure in Belgian cycling. Holder of the world hour record in 1967, a two-time world champion in the individual pursuit and winner of the 1971 Vuelta a España, he competed in nine editions of the Tour de France and won two stages.
In 1977, Ferdinand Bracke competed in his final Tour de France whilst riding for the Lejeune-BP team. During that race, he was awarded the Prix de l’Amabilité, an honorary distinction recognising his courtesy, approachability and exemplary behaviour towards other members of the Tour caravan.
Made from purple satin and edged with gold braid, this pennant bears the white inscriptions ‘Prix de l’Amabilité’, ‘BNP’ and ‘Tour de France 1977’. Its central emblem commemorates the partnership between the Banque Nationale de Paris and this special award.
This prize bears witness to an era when the Tour de France also awarded honours designed to highlight the human qualities of the riders, beyond their sporting achievements alone.
Featured in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël Grégoire Collections, this historic pennant preserves the memory of Ferdinand Bracke’s final participation in the Tour de France and pays tribute to a champion who was appreciated as much for his talent as for his kindness.
PIECE N°684
Rini WAGTMANS (NL)
(26.12.1946 –25.09.2026)
Tour of Slovakia pennant – probably 1978
Marinus ‘Rini’ Wagtmans was one of the finest Dutch cyclists of his generation. A professional from 1968 to 1973, this excellent descender won three stages of the Tour de France, in 1970, 1971 and 1972. He finished fifth in the general classification in 1970 and briefly wore the yellow jersey during the 1971 edition. He also distinguished himself in the Vuelta a España, winning two stages in 1970 after finishing third in the general classification in 1969. procyclingstats.com
Forced to end his career prematurely due to heart problems, Rini Wagtmans remained closely involved with cycling. In particular, he served as a sports director and national team manager for the Dutch Cycling Federation, accompanying the Dutch team to various international competitions. nl.wikipedia.org
The pennant shown here is believed to have been presented to Rini Wagtmans during the Tour of Slovakia, probably in 1978, whilst he was coaching the Dutch national team. It bears the inscriptions ‘Okolo Slovenska – Tour de Slovaquie’, the Slovak and French names for this stage race.
Made from cream-coloured fabric, the pennant is edged with an orange cord and ends in a pointed tip adorned with a tassel. Its central design depicts a peloton of riders surrounded by the flags of the participating nations, highlighting the international nature of the event. The signs of ageing visible on the fabric attest to its age and authenticity.
Housed within the Noël Grégoire Collections, this pennant is a valuable testament to Rini Wagtmans’ second career in the service of Dutch cycling. Beyond his victories and his time in the yellow jersey, it serves as a reminder of the enduring commitment of a champion who devoted much of his life to promoting and passing on his sport. Rini Wagtmans passed away in Saint-Willebrord on 25 September 2026, aged 79.
