The jerseys - 11
ITEM N° 040
BRANKART Jean (B)
(12.07.1930 – 23.07.2020)
His Belgian national team jersey worn in 1956
Jean Brankart was a Belgian cyclist, one of the leading figures in his country’s cycling scene during the 1950s. An excellent road rider and a specialist in solo efforts, he excelled in both stage races and time trials.
A professional from 1953 to 1960, he enjoyed a remarkable 1955 season. In the Tour de France, he won two stages, including the time trial in Tours, and finished second in the general classification behind Louison Bobet. That same year, he also won the general classification of the Tour de Luxembourg.
The jersey on display here is an authentic Belgian national team jersey worn by Jean Brankart in 1956. Its design features Belgium’s national colours — black, yellow and red — arranged in wide stripes on a blue-grey background. At a time when national teams played a vital role in major international competitions, this type of jersey directly symbolised the country’s representation.
Beyond its sporting significance, this item has a special personal dimension. Jean Brankart and his wife visited the museum in 1997, a visit now documented by the photograph accompanying the jersey.
ITEM N° 041
BRANKART Jean (B)
(12.07.1930 – 23.07.2020)
His tricolour jersey as 1959 Belgian Pursuit Champion and his medals as Belgian Champion in 1958 and 1959
Jean Brankart was one of the great Belgian cyclists of the 1950s, capable of excelling on both the road and the track. A professional from 1953 to 1960, he distinguished himself through his skills as a road rider and pursuer, but also through his remarkable consistency in major stage races.
His road racing career reached its peak during the 1955 Tour de France, which he finished in a remarkable second place in the general classification, behind Louison Bobet.
An excellent track cyclist, Jean Brankart particularly excelled in the individual pursuit. He became Belgian Pursuit Champion in 1958 and 1959, thereby confirming his place amongst the finest Belgian specialists of his generation.
The jersey on display here is his tricolour 1959 Belgian Pursuit Champion’s jersey. With its wide black, yellow and red stripes – the national colours of Belgium – it is a particularly representative example of the national champion’s kit of that era. The tricolour trim visible on the collar and sleeves completes this iconic outfit.
The collection also includes the medals awarded for his titles as Belgian Pursuit Champion in 1958 and 1959. Together with the jersey worn by Jean Brankart, they lend this collection a special historical and heritage significance.
ITEM N° 54
BREUKINK Erik (NL)
(01.04.1964)
His white jersey as winner of the Best Young Rider classification – 1988 Tour de France
Erik Breukink is a former Dutch professional cyclist and a leading figure in the sport in the late 1980s and early 1990s. An excellent road rider and outstanding in time trials, he also possessed solid climbing ability, which enabled him to excel in the Grand Tours.
Turning professional in 1985, he quickly established himself as one of the best riders of his generation. In 1987, he notably won a stage of the Giro d’Italia and finished third in the general classification. The following year marked a significant milestone in his career: riding for the Panasonic-Isostar team, he took part in the 1988 Tour de France, where his performances earned him the Best Young Rider classification.
The jersey on display here is the white jersey worn by Erik Breukink during the 1988 Tour de France, symbolising his victory in the Best Young Rider classification. A handwritten dedication by Erik Breukink, visible on the front of the jersey, further enhances its personal and historical significance.
Housed within the Noël Grégoire Collections, this jersey is a valuable testament to Dutch cycling in the 1980s and to Erik Breukink’s emergence as one of the leading specialists in stage races. Having been worn in competition and signed by the champion, it holds a very special sporting, historical and heritage value.
