The medals & plaques - 13
ITEM N°655
PIJNEN René (NL)
(03.09.1946)
His silver medal in the individual pursuit at the 1973 World Championships
René Pijnen made a name for himself on the road before becoming one of the Netherlands’ leading track cycling specialists. An Olympic champion in the team time trial in 1968, he turned professional the following year.
In 1973, he took part in the Track World Championships held at the Anoeta Velodrome in San Sebastián. Competing in the men’s 5-kilometre individual pursuit, he won the silver medal behind Britain’s Hugh Porter. Belgium’s Ferdinand Bracke completed the podium.
The item on display is the medal awarded to René Pijnen for this second place at the World Championships. Suspended from a ribbon in the colours of the rainbow, it bears the inscription ‘World Championships’, accompanied by a stylised depiction of two cyclists racing around the track. Its angular shape and embossed design reflect the aesthetic of sporting awards from the 1970s. The reverse side commemorates the individual pursuit discipline, the year 1973 and the second place achieved by the Dutch cyclist.
The photograph on the right shows René Pijnen in a characteristic pursuit position, looking straight ahead with his hands resting in the hollows of the handlebars. This posture illustrates the solitary and sustained effort required by a discipline in which power, consistency and tactical mastery are essential.
This medal marks an important milestone in his track cycling career. The following year, René Pijnen confirmed his prowess as a pursuer by winning the bronze medal at the World Championships in Montreal. He then turned his attention primarily to the American race and Six-Day events.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this medal commemorates René Pijnen’s second place in the world championships at San Sebastián in 1973 and bears witness to his remarkable versatility on both the road and the track.
ITEM N° 266
SAMYN José (F)
(11.05.1946 – 28.08.1969)
His Flanders Championship medal in the cadet category in 1962
Born on 11 May 1946 in Quiévrain, Belgium, to a French father and a Belgian mother, José Samyn grew up in an environment deeply steeped in cycling. He initially raced in Belgium before opting for French nationality.
In 1962, aged just 16, he won the Flanders Championship title in the cadet category. This early victory already revealed the speed and fighting spirit that would characterise his short career.
The item on display is the medal awarded to José Samyn on the occasion of this victory. Its centre bears the inscription ‘José Samyn – Champion of Flanders – Cadets – 1962’, which directly links the object to the young cyclist. Circular in shape and made of a metal with a golden patina, the medal features rich relief decoration. A draped female figure, symbolising victory, holds a laurel wreath. She is flanked by oak branches and several allegorical symbols evoking honour, strength and sporting success.
Having turned professional in 1967, José Samyn quickly established himself amongst the best young French riders. That same year, he won the eleventh stage of the Tour de France between Briançon and Digne-les-Bains. He also finished second in the Flèche Wallonne in 1968 and won the Tour de l’Oise in 1969.
On 28 August 1969, José Samyn was involved in a serious accident during a race in Zingem, Belgium. He succumbed to his injuries at the age of just 23. His sudden death brought an end to a career that seemed destined for a brilliant future.
In tribute to the young champion, the Grand Prix de Fayt-le-Franc, the first edition of which he had won in 1968, was renamed ‘Le Samyn’ from 1970 onwards. This race continues to honour his memory to this day.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this medal bears witness to José Samyn’s promising early career and serves as a moving reminder of a rider who passed away on the cusp of a great career.
ITEM N° 276
SCHULTE Gerrit (NL)
(07.01.1916 – 26.02.1992)
Medal of recognition awarded to the world pursuit champion
Born on 7 January 1916 in Amsterdam, Gerrit Schulte was one of the most outstanding Dutch cyclists of his generation. A professional from 1937 to 1960, he enjoyed a long career on both the road and the track, where his power made him a formidable pursuit specialist.
In August 1948, in front of his home crowd in Amsterdam, he became the professional world pursuit champion. In the final, he took his revenge on the Italian Fausto Coppi, who had beaten him at the previous championship. Antonio Bevilacqua completed the podium.
The item on display is a commemorative medal presented to Gerrit Schulte by the municipality of Anderlecht following his world title victory. The plaque bears his name, the inscription ‘World Champion’ and the date 18 September 1948. Rectangular in shape, the award has a simple yet elegant gold finish. It is housed in a lined case, the light-coloured interior of which showcases the commemorative plaque. The presence of its original packaging enhances the heritage value of the set.
This award bears witness to the international prestige achieved by Gerrit Schulte and the popularity he also enjoyed in Belgium. It serves as a reminder of the importance of velodromes and international competitions in post-war sporting life. The pursuit was Gerrit Schulte’s main speciality. During his career, he won ten Dutch national titles in this discipline, as well as two European titles. He also distinguished himself in Six-Day races and achieved several successes on the road.
In 1938, he notably won a stage of the Tour de France. His versatility, power and longevity enabled him to become one of the most popular cyclists in the Netherlands. Since 1955, a trophy bearing his name has been awarded annually to a particularly deserving Dutch cyclist.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this award commemorates the world title won by Gerrit Schulte in Amsterdam in 1948 and the tribute paid to him shortly afterwards in Anderlecht.
