The pennants, scarves, plates & certficates - 5
PIECE N°089
Marc DEMEYER (B)
(19.04.1950 – 20.01.1982)
His winner’s pennant from the 1971 Tour of Flanders (amateur)
Born on 19 April 1950 in Avelgem, Marc Demeyer was one of Belgium’s finest classics riders of the 1970s. A professional from 1972 to 1982, he was admired for his power, his stamina and his ability on demanding routes.
Before turning professional, Marc Demeyer distinguished himself amongst the amateurs with his attacking style and his aptitude for demanding races. His results already hinted at the remarkable classics specialist he was to become. The year 1971 marked one of the high points of his amateur career. On 30 May, he won the amateur Tour of Flanders, contested over 167 kilometres between Herzele and Denderleeuw, ahead of Theo Fierens and Louis Verreydt.
The item on display is the winner’s pennant presented to Marc Demeyer on the occasion of this victory. Made from red and cream satin fabric, it bears the inscriptions ‘Marc Demeyer’, ‘Winnaar’, ‘Ronde van Vlaanderen’, ‘Amateurs’ and ‘1971’ in gold lettering. The creases, patina and fringes of the pennant bear witness to its age. Preserved in its original condition, this item evokes the formal ceremonies that once accompanied major victories in amateur cycling.
The photograph shows Marc Demeyer, wearing the colours of the professional Flandria team, standing beside his bicycle. It illustrates the career achieved by the young 1971 winner and recalls his attachment to one of the iconic teams in Belgian cycling.
In 1976, Marc Demeyer won Paris–Roubaix. He confirmed his calibre the following year by triumphing in the Tour of Flanders. He also won two stages of the Tour de France, in 1978 and 1979.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this pennant commemorates Marc Demeyer’s victory in the 1971 amateur Tour of Flanders, a triumph that marked the beginning of a brilliant professional career.
PIECE N° 090
Marc DEMEYER (B)
(19.04.1950 – 20.01.1982)
His winner’s pennant from the ‘hot spots’ classification of the 1975 Tour de France
Born on 19 April 1950 in Avelgem, Marc Demeyer was one of the finest Belgian classics riders of the 1970s. A professional from 1972 to 1982, he was admired for his power, stamina and attacking style.
Marc Demeyer took part in six editions of the Tour de France. Always at the forefront of the race, he won two stages of the Tour, in 1978 between Lausanne and Belfort, and then in 1979 between Belfort and Évian-les-Bains. The year 1975 marked a significant season in his career. Riding for the Flandria team, he won the ‘hot spots’ classification of the Tour de France, a secondary competition contested during the intermediate sprints scattered along the route.
The item on display is the winner’s pennant presented to Marc Demeyer on the occasion of this victory. Made from red and purple satin fabric, it is adorned with gold embroidery bearing the inscription ‘Tour de France 1975’. The creases, patina and fringes of the pennant bear witness to its age. Preserved in its original condition, this item evokes the formal ceremonies and the many awards once presented during the Tour de France.
The photograph shows Marc Demeyer in his racing kit, riding his bicycle. It captures the intensity of the effort and the popular atmosphere of cycling in the 1970s, whilst placing the object within the context of his career.
In 1976, the Belgian rider won Paris–Roubaix. He confirmed his calibre the following year by triumphing in the Tour of Flanders. These two prestigious victories established Marc Demeyer as one of Belgium’s leading figures in the cobbled classics.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this pennant commemorates Marc Demeyer’s victory in the ‘hot spots’ classification of the 1975 Tour de France and a defining period in his career.
PIECE N° 091
Marc DEMEYER (B)
(19.04.1950 – 20.01.1982)
His pennant from the 1973 Tour de France 'Le Coq Sportif’ International Challenge
Born on 19 April 1950 in Avelgem, Marc Demeyer was one of the finest Belgian classics riders of the 1970s. A professional from 1972 to 1982, he was admired for his power, stamina and attacking style.
Marc Demeyer took part in six editions of the Tour de France. He won two stages, in 1978 and 1979, as well as the ‘hot spots’ classification in 1973 and 1975.
The year 1973 marked his first appearance in the Tour de France. Riding for the Flandria team, he distinguished himself by winning the intermediate sprint classification, known as the ‘hot spots’ classification.
The item on display is the pennant awarded to Marc Demeyer during the 1973 Tour de France ‘Le Coq Sportif’ International Team Challenge. This competition, linked to the team classification, was organised for the first time under this name.
Made from a cream-coloured satin fabric and edged with gold braid, this triangular pennant bears the famous blue Le Coq Sportif emblem as well as the inscriptions ‘Challenge international’, ‘Tour de France’ and ‘1973’.
The photograph shows Marc Demeyer in the thick of the action, his face and jersey caked in mud. It captures the gruelling nature of the races of that era and serves as a reminder of the courage and resilience that characterised the Belgian cyclist.
In 1976, Marc Demeyer won Paris–Roubaix. He confirmed his calibre the following year by triumphing in the Tour of Flanders. These two prestigious victories established him as one of Belgium’s leading figures in the cobbled classics.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this pennant commemorates Marc Demeyer’s first appearance in the Tour de France and his victory in the ‘hot spots’ classification in 1973.
