The jerseys - 61
PIECE N° 246
PLANCKAERT Walter (B)
(08.04.1948)
His 1977 Tour of Belgium winner’s jersey
Born on 8 April 1948 in Nevele, East Flanders, Walter Planckaert is a Belgian cyclist who turned professional in 1970 and retired in 1985. The younger brother of Willy and the elder brother of Eddy Planckaert, he comes from one of the most famous families in Flemish cycling. A fast and resilient rider, he excelled particularly in the classics and short stage races.
Walter Planckaert secured 74 victories during his professional career. His major successes included the Amstel Gold Race in 1972, Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne in 1973 and 1979, the Grand Prix E3 and the Tour of Flanders in 1976, Across Belgium in 1977 and 1984, and a stage of the Tour de France in 1978. After his racing career, Walter Planckaert remained in the world of cycling by becoming a team manager. He put his experience to good use with several teams, including Panasonic, Novemail–Histor, Palmans, Lotto–Adecco and Chocolade Jacques.
The item on display is the leader’s jersey worn by Walter Planckaert during his victory in the 1977 Tour of Belgium.
The period photograph shows Walter Planckaert after the finish, wearing his leader’s jersey and holding the trophy awarded to the winner of the Tour of Belgium. His signature on the photograph reinforces the link between this image, the rider and the item on display.
Displayed in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this item preserves the memory of Walter Planckaert’s victory in the 1977 Tour of Belgium. The Maes Pils–Mini-Flat jersey and the rider’s signed photograph provide a particularly evocative record of one of the finest seasons of his career.
PIECE N° 352
PLANCKAERT Walter (B)
(08.04.1948)
His points classification winner’s jersey from the 1977 Tour of Belgium
A sprinter with great stamina and a specialist in the Flemish classics, Walter Planckaert enjoyed one of the most consistent careers in Belgian cycling during the 1970s and 1980s. Born in Nevele on 8 April 1948, he turned professional in 1970 and continued racing until 1985, racking up a total of 74 victories.
His list of achievements is marked by prestigious classics. He won the Amstel Gold Race in 1972, Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne in 1973 and 1979, and then enjoyed a remarkable 1976 season by winning the Grand Prix E3 and the Tour of Flanders. He also added a stage of the Tour de France to his list of victories in 1978.
In 1977, Walter Planckaert rode for the Maes Pils–Mini-Flat team. He dominated the Tour of Belgium by winning both half-stages on the opening day, followed by the third stage. These results enabled him to claim both the general classification and the points classification of the race.
The item on display is the red jersey awarded to the leader of the points classification in the 1977 Tour of Belgium. The photograph accompanying the jersey shows Walter Planckaert winning the first stage in Mons. The red jersey complements the blue general classification leader’s jersey, which is also held in the collection. Together, these two items serve as a reminder of Walter Planckaert’s dominance in the 1977 Tour of Belgium: winner of three stages, winner of the points classification and first in the final general classification.
Displayed in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this item preserves the memory of Walter Planckaert’s victory in the points classification of the 1977 Tour of Belgium. The red jersey and the photograph of his success in Mons stand as a direct testament to one of the most complete performances of his career.
PIECE N° 249
PLANCKAERT Willy (B)
(05.04.1944)
His green jersey as winner of the points classification in the 1966 Tour de France
The eldest of the famous Planckaert brothers, Willy was born on 5 April 1944 in Nevele, East Flanders. A professional cyclist from 1965 onwards, he stood out for his speed in bunch sprints, but also for his ability to hold his own on hilly routes. His long career saw him rack up a total of 79 victories.
Willy Planckaert achieved his most prestigious result in his very second professional season. In the 1966 Tour de France, held from 21 June to 14 July, he won two stages and secured numerous podium finishes. Thanks to his consistency, he finished top of the points classification with 211 points and brought the green jersey back to Paris.
This performance made him one of the key figures in the race, which was won overall by Lucien Aimar. Whilst the main favourites battled it out for the yellow jersey, Willy Planckaert built his success on his speed, his consistency in the finishes and his regular presence amongst the leaders.
The item on display is a green jersey worn by Willy Planckaert during the 1966 Tour de France. The jersey bears a handwritten dedication by Willy Planckaert. The signs of wear visible on the fabric are part of its history and reinforce the authenticity of this vintage item.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this item preserves the memory of Willy Planckaert’s victory in the points classification of the 1966 Tour de France. The green jersey, his dedication and the photograph of the rider constitute a rare testament to one of the Planckaert family’s greatest successes.
