The pennants, scarves, plates & certficates - 4
ITEM N°061
Lucien BUYSSE (B)
(11.09.1892 – 03.01.1980)
The winner’s sash from the 1926 Tour de France
Born on 11 September 1892 in Wontergem, Lucien Buysse came from a famous family of Belgian cyclists. Turning professional in 1913, he competed in eight Tours de France and won five stages of the Grande Boucle.
Finishing third in the Tour in 1924 and then second in 1925, he achieved his greatest triumph in 1926. During the gruelling stage between Bayonne and Luchon, contested in driving rain, he pulled away from his rivals and built a decisive lead. He went on to win the overall classification of the Tour de France.
The item on display is a commemorative sash presented to Lucien Buysse in 1963, during the celebrations held in Paris to mark the 50th edition of the Tour de France. This sash served as a reminder of his status as the 1926 winner of the race. Made from a light-coloured satin fabric, the sash bears the inscriptions ‘Tour de France’, ‘Lucien Buysse’ and ‘1926’. It is complemented by a decorative medal and fringes, characteristic of the honours worn during this ceremony.
The photograph, taken in front of Paris City Hall, brings together several former Tour winners, including Louison Bobet, Hugo Koblet, Ferdi Kübler, Jean Robic, Gino Bartali, Roger Lapébie, Lucien Buysse, Firmin Lambot and Philippe Thys. Each is wearing a sash marking the year of his victory.
The 1963 Tour de France, held from 23 June to 14 July, was officially the 50th edition of the Grande Boucle. The gathering of these former champions established a symbolic link between the pioneers of the race and modern cycling.
A more recent photograph shows Lucien Buysse’s son wearing the ribbon alongside his wife.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this ribbon of honour keeps alive the memory of Lucien Buysse and his legendary victory in the 1926 Tour de France.
ITEM N° 071
Alex CLOSE (B)
(26.11.1921 – 21.10.2008)
His winner’s pennant from the team classification at the 1956 Tour de France
Born on 26 November 1921 in Moignelée, Alexandre ‘Alex’ Close was one of the finest Belgian stage racers of the 1950s. A professional from 1949 to 1959, he stood out for his consistency, endurance and climbing ability.
He competed in six Tours de France. Seventh in the general classification in 1952, he achieved his best result the following year by finishing fourth. He also finished ninth in 1955 and seventeenth in 1956.
His list of achievements also includes victory in the 1955 Tour of Belgium and the 1956 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré. That same season also saw him take third place in Liège–Bastogne–Liège.
During the 1956 Tour de France, Alex Close was part of the Belgian national team that won the team classification, then known as the Martini Challenge. This team victory was a reward for the remarkable consistency shown by the entire Belgian squad.
The item on display is a commemorative pennant awarded to Alex Close to mark this success. Made from cream-coloured satin fabric and edged with gold fringing, it bears the famous red and black emblem of the Martini Challenge.
The inscriptions ‘Alex Close’, ‘Tour de France’ and ‘1956’ personalise this award and link it directly to the rider. Its suspended display, featuring a metal rod and a cord, is reminiscent of the commemorative pennants presented at sporting ceremonies of the time.
The photograph above shows the Belgian team taking a lap of honour in Paris. Alex Close is pictured alongside his team-mates, including Fred De Bruyne, Rik Van Genechten, Stan Ockers, Raymond Impanis, Gilbert Desmet, Jan Adriaenssens, Jean Brankart and Marcel Janssens.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this pennant serves as a memento of Alex Close and the Belgian team’s collective triumph in the 1956 Tour de France.
ITEM N° 073
Alex CLOSE (B)
(26.11.1921 – 21.10.2008)
His 1955 Tour of Belgium winner’s sash
Alexandre ‘Alex’ Close was one of the finest Belgian stage racers of the 1950s. A professional from 1949 to 1959, he was admired for his stamina, consistency and climbing ability.
Alex Close competed in six editions of the Tour de France. Seventh in the general classification in 1952, he achieved his best result in 1953 by finishing fourth. He went on to finish ninth in 1955, cementing his place amongst the most consistent riders of his generation.
The year 1955 marked one of the high points of his career. Riding for the Elvé–Peugeot team, he won the general classification of the Tour of Belgium, a major event on the national cycling calendar.
The item on display is the winner’s sash presented to Alex Close on the occasion of this victory. Made from satin fabric, it features the black, yellow and red colours of Belgium.
The creases, patina and fringes of the sash bear witness to its age. Preserved in its original condition, this item evokes the formal ceremonies that once accompanied major cycling victories.
The photograph shows Alex Close in his racing kit, standing beside his bicycle, answering a journalist’s questions. It captures the popular atmosphere of cycling in the 1950s and places the object within the context of his career.
In 1956, the Belgian rider confirmed his calibre by winning the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré. He also finished third in Liège–Bastogne–Liège and contributed to the Belgian team’s victory in the team classification of the Tour de France.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this scarf serves as a memento of Alex Close’s victory in the 1955 Tour of Belgium and one of the finest seasons of his career.
