The pennants, scarves, plates & certficates - 3
ITEM N°050
Jean BRANKART (B)
(12.07.1930 – 23.07.2020)
Honorary Diploma from the Liège Cycling Association – 1958
Born on 12 July 1930 in Momalle, Jean Brankart was one of the leading figures in Belgian cycling in the 1950s. A professional from 1953 to 1960, he distinguished himself as a all-rounder, a climber and a time-trial specialist.
His greatest achievement remains his second place in the 1955 Tour de France, behind Louison Bobet. During that race, he won two stages and established himself as one of the French champion’s main rivals.
In 1958, Brankart also finished second in the Giro d’Italia and won the mountains classification. On the track, he won three Belgian pursuit championship titles before securing the bronze medal at the World Championships in this discipline in 1959.
The document on display is a certificate of honour awarded by the Liège Cycling Association, the provincial branch of the Royal Belgian Cycling League. Dated 21 December 1958, it bears witness to the close ties between Jean Brankart and cycling in his region.
Printed on paper now marked by creases and the passage of time, the certificate bears the federation’s emblems, various official inscriptions and the signatures of its representatives. These signs of age have been preserved and contribute to its documentary value.
The photograph shows Jean Brankart and his wife during their visit to the Lavaux-Sainte-Anne Cycling Museum in 1998. Surrounded by photographs, documents and sporting memorabilia, the former champion is thus reunited with a part of the history to which he himself contributed.
Featured in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this honorary certificate preserves the memory of Jean Brankart and his remarkable career in Belgian and international cycling.
ITEM N° 052
Jean BRANKART (B)
(12.07.1930 – 23.07.2020)
Letter informing him of the award of the Bronze Medal for Sporting Merit in 1957
Jean Brankart was one of the most well-rounded Belgian cyclists of the 1950s. An excellent all-rounder and a remarkable climber, he distinguished himself both on the roads of the Grand Tours and on the velodromes.
His greatest achievement remains his second place in the 1955 Tour de France, behind Louison Bobet. He won two stages there, including the time trial between Châtellerault and Tours. In 1958, he also finished second in the Giro d’Italia and won the mountains classification.
On the track, Jean Brankart won three Belgian pursuit championship titles. He also won the bronze medal at the 1959 World Pursuit Championships, confirming his outstanding qualities as a specialist in individual time trials.
The document on display is an official letter from the Ministry of Public Health and the Family, addressed to Jean Brankart on 27 November 1957. It informs him that the King has awarded him, on the Minister’s recommendation, the Bronze Medal for Sporting Merit. Signed by Minister Edmond Leburton, this letter personally congratulates the cyclist on the honour bestowed upon him. It constitutes direct administrative evidence of the official recognition enjoyed by Jean Brankart at the height of his career. Preserved in its original condition, the document shows creases, wrinkles and some wear to its edges. These signs of ageing have been preserved and enhance its historical significance. The item on display is indeed the letter awarding the honour, and not the medal itself.
The accompanying photograph shows Jean Brankart and his wife holding a framed portrait of the champion in the midst of a race. It adds a personal dimension to this collection and serves as a reminder of the cyclist’s connection to the legacy of his career.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this letter preserves the memory of the official recognition granted to Jean Brankart for his remarkable contribution to Belgian cycling.
ITEM N° 053
Jean BRANKART (B)
(12.07.1930 – 23.07.2020)
The certificate for his bronze medal in the Sports Merit Award – 1957
Born on 12 July 1930 in Momalle, Jean Brankart was one of the finest Belgian cyclists of the 1950s. A professional from 1953 to 1960, he excelled on both the road and the track thanks to his skills as a all-rounder, a climber and a time-trial specialist.
In 1955, he achieved his greatest feat by finishing second in the Tour de France behind Louison Bobet. Winner of two stages, he triumphed notably in the long time trial between Châtellerault and Tours.
Brankart also took second place in the 1958 Giro d’Italia and won the mountains classification. On the track, he was three-time Belgian pursuit champion and won a bronze medal at the 1959 World Championships in this discipline.
The document presented here is the official certificate awarding Jean Brankart the bronze Medal of Sporting Merit. This honour was conferred upon him by the King on the recommendation of the Minister for Public Health and the Family.
The certificate refers to the Royal Decree of 2 October 1957. Drawn up in Brussels on the following 5 October, it bears the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Belgium, the recipient’s handwritten name, the official seal and the signature of Minister Edmond Leburton.
This document complements the ministerial letter sent to Jean Brankart on 27 November 1957 to officially inform him of the award. Taken together, the two documents trace the various administrative stages of this national recognition.
The archive photograph shows Jean Brankart wearing the colours of the Saint-Raphaël–Géminiani–Dunlop team. It places the certificate within the context of his sporting career and evokes the image of a cyclist who was particularly respected among his generation.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this certificate bears witness to the official tribute paid to Jean Brankart for his performances and his contribution to the prestige of Belgian cycling.
