The pennants, scarves, plates & certficates - 2
ITEMS N°026 & 027
Benoni BEHEYT (B)
(27.09.1940)
Commemorative memorabilia of the 1963 Road World Champion
Born on 27 September 1940 in Zwijnaarde and raised in De Pinte, Benoni Beheyt was one of the leading figures in Belgian cycling in the 1960s. Having turned professional in 1962, this fast rider particularly excelled in one-day races.
On 11 August 1963, in Renaix, he won the World Road Championship ahead of his compatriot Rik Van Looy. Aged just 22, Beheyt claimed the rainbow jersey following a sprint that has gone down in the history of Belgian cycling.
This victory capped off a remarkable season during which he also triumphed in Ghent–Wevelgem and the Grand Prix de Fourmies. The following year, he won the Tour of Belgium as well as a stage of the Tour de France.
The items on display directly evoke his 1963 world title. The banner of honour, adorned with fringes in the Belgian colours and the rainbow jersey, bears the name Benoni Beheyt as well as a commemorative inscription marking his victory.
The decorative plate also commemorates the world championships in Ronse. Its painted design combines the rainbow jersey, the national colours and several landmarks. The inscriptions ‘Ronse 11.8.1963’ and ‘De Pinte’ symbolically link the site of his victory to the town where he grew up.
The main photograph shows Benoni Beheyt during his visit to Lavaux-Sainte-Anne, holding these two mementoes. This image documents their donation to the Noël Grégoire Collections and reinforces their historical value through a direct link to the champion.
Displayed in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël Grégoire Collections, these objects preserve the memory of Benoni Beheyt’s victory in Renaix, one of the most memorable moments in Belgian cycling.
ITEM N° 049
Jean BRANKART (B)
(12.07.1930 – 23.07.2020)
His 1958 Belgian professional track cycling championship title
Born on 12 July 1930 in Momalle, Jean Brankart was one of the finest Belgian cyclists of his generation. A professional from 1953 to 1960, he excelled on both the road and the track thanks to his prowess as a all-rounder and time trial specialist.
His greatest achievement on the road remains his second place in the 1955 Tour de France, behind Louison Bobet. During that race, he won two stages, including the time trial between Châtellerault and Tours. In 1958, Brankart also finished second in the Giro d’Italia and won the mountains classification. The following year, he won the general classification of the Grand Prix du Midi Libre and secured the bronze medal at the World Pursuit Championships.
The document on display is the official certificate awarded to Jean Brankart for his title as Belgian professional pursuit champion in 1958. It bears witness to the remarkable versatility of a rider capable of excelling in the Grand Tours as well as on the velodromes. Issued by the Belgian Cycling League, the certificate is bilingual in French and Dutch. The national colours, federal emblems and a stylised depiction of track cyclists frame the champion’s name and the title of his championship.
Jean Brankart was crowned Belgian pursuit champion on three occasions, in 1956, 1958 and 1959. These successes confirm his mastery of a discipline demanding power, endurance and perfect consistency of effort.
The archive photograph shows the champion in full flight on a track bicycle. Accompanying the certificate, it captures the intensity of the pursuit and highlights a sometimes lesser-known aspect of his brilliant career.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this certificate preserves the memory of Jean Brankart, the great Belgian road and track champion.
ITEM N° 051
Jean BRANKART (B)
(12.07.1930 – 23.07.2020)
His 1952 provincial amateur road cycling championship certificate
Jean Brankart was one of the great Belgian cyclists of the 1950s. An excellent rider, he excelled on both the road and the track, particularly in time trials and pursuit races.
Before turning professional in 1953, Brankart made a name for himself in the amateur ranks. In 1952, he won the Liège provincial road cycling championship, a triumph that heralded a distinguished career.
The document shown here is the certificate of honour awarded to Jean Brankart for this provincial title. Dated 21 December 1952, it was issued by the Liège Cycling Association, the provincial branch of the Royal Belgian Cycling League. Printed on paper, the certificate bears the federation’s emblems as well as the signatures of its representatives. Its appearance and signs of ageing have been preserved, bearing witness to the age and authenticity of this sporting document.
Three years later, Jean Brankart enjoyed his greatest success on the road by finishing second in the 1955 Tour de France behind Louison Bobet, having won two stages. He also finished second in the 1958 Giro d’Italia, in which he won the mountains classification.
On the track, he was crowned Belgian pursuit champion on three occasions and won the bronze medal at the 1959 World Championships in this discipline. This versatility made him one of the most well-rounded Belgian riders of his generation.
The photograph below shows Jean Brankart surrounded by his female admirers, including the famous Belgian artist Annie Cordy. The top image shows him with his wife during a visit to the museum in 1998, surrounded by memorabilia tracing the history of cycling.
Featured in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this certificate recalls Jean Brankart’s promising early career and serves as a valuable record of his journey prior to his great international achievements.
