The medals and plaques - 3
ITEMS N°044 & 045
BRANKART Jean (B)
(12.07.1930 – 23.07.2020)
His medals as Belgian pursuit champion in 1958 and 1959
Jean Brankart was one of the most well-rounded Belgian cyclists of the 1950s. A professional from 1953 to 1960, he enjoyed a brilliant career on both the road and the track.
A powerful road rider, an excellent time-trialist and a solid climber, he achieved his best result in the Tour de France in 1955. Winner of two stages, including a time trial, he finished second in the general classification behind the Frenchman Louison Bobet. Jean Brankart also distinguished himself in the Giro d’Italia. Seventh in 1956, he put in a remarkable performance in 1958 by finishing second in the general classification behind Ercole Baldini and winning the mountains classification. In 1959, he further confirmed his calibre in stage races by winning the general classification of the Grand Prix du Midi Libre. He also finished tenth in the Tour de France that same year.
On the track, Jean Brankart made full use of his exceptional riding skills. A specialist in the individual pursuit – a discipline in which two riders set off from opposite sides of the velodrome – he had to maintain a very high speed on his own for several kilometres. He became Belgian professional pursuit champion for the first time in 1956. He regained the title in 1958, then retained it in 1959, thus achieving a remarkable national double. That same year, he won the bronze medal at the World Pursuit Championships.
The two awards on display recognise his national titles from 1958 and 1959. They take the form of elegant gold badges, adorned with the symbols of Belgian cycling and surmounted by a crown. Each medal is housed in its official red case, the interior of which is lined with light-coloured satin and dark blue velvet. This meticulous presentation highlights the prestigious nature of the awards presented to the Belgian champion.
The photograph shows Jean Brankart in action at a velodrome, wearing the black, yellow and red national champion’s jersey.
Heart problems forced Jean Brankart to end his career in 1960. He passed away on 23 July 2020 in Liège, aged 90, leaving behind the memory of a versatile rider, capable of securing podium places in the greatest tours as well as winning races on the velodromes.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, these Belgian pursuit championship medals bear witness to Jean Brankart’s exceptional qualities in time trials and preserve the memory of his two consecutive titles in 1958 and 1959.
ITEM N° 043
BRANKART Jean (B)
(12.07.1930 – 23.07.2020)
His bronze medal from the 1959 World Pursuit Championships
Born on 12 July 1930 in Momalle, in the municipality of Remicourt, Jean Brankart was one of the most well-rounded Belgian cyclists of the 1950s. A professional from 1953 to 1960, he achieved excellent results on both the road and the track.
A powerful rider and a remarkable specialist in solo efforts, he achieved his greatest success at the 1955 Tour de France. Winner of two stages, including a time trial, he finished second in the general classification behind Louison Bobet and ahead of Charly Gaul. Jean Brankart confirmed his qualities in the Giro d’Italia. Seventh in 1956, he finished second in the 1958 edition behind Ercole Baldini and won the mountains classification. In 1959, he added the general classification of the Grand Prix du Midi Libre to his list of achievements.
On the track, the Belgian champion specialised in the individual pursuit. In 1959, at the Track World Championships held in Amsterdam, he won the bronze medal in the professional pursuit. He completed the podium behind the Frenchman Roger Rivière, the world champion, and his compatriot Albert Bouvet. This third place at world level was one of the most prestigious achievements of his track cycling career. It recognised his power, consistency and endurance, qualities he had already amply demonstrated in the time trials of major stage races.
The medal on display features a central globe surrounded by numerous enamelled national flags. Motifs of laurel leaves and various decorative elements emphasise the international and prestigious nature of this award. It is kept in its official red case, the interior of which is lined with light-coloured satin and matching velvet. The ceremonial presentation reflects the importance attached to a medal won at a world championship.
The photograph shows the three medallists gathered on the podium. Jean Brankart is pictured alongside Roger Rivière and Albert Bouvet.
Forced to end his career in 1960 due to heart problems, Jean Brankart remains one of the great Belgian figures of the post-war era. He passed away on 23 July 2020 in Liège, leaving behind the memory of a versatile rider, capable of securing podium finishes at the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and a track world championship.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this bronze medal bears witness to Jean Brankart’s remarkable performance at the 1959 World Pursuit Championships and preserves the memory of one of the finest Belgian cyclists of his era.
ITEM N° 048
BRANKART Jean (B)
(12.07.1930 – 23.07.2020)
Honour bestowed upon the Walloon champion by the Free Republic of Outremeuse
Jean Brankart was one of the leading figures in Walloon cycling during the 1950s. A professional from 1953 to 1960, he excelled in stage races as well as in time trials and track events.
At the 1955 Tour de France, he achieved the best performance of his career by finishing second in the general classification behind Louison Bobet and ahead of Charly Gaul.
He also excelled in the Giro d’Italia. Seventh in 1956, he finished second in the 1958 edition behind the Italian Ercole Baldini and won the mountains classification. In 1959, he added the overall victory in the Grand Prix du Midi Libre to his list of achievements.
On the track, Jean Brankart was crowned Belgian pursuit champion on three occasions, in 1956, 1958 and 1959. He also won the bronze medal at the World Professional Pursuit Championships in 1959.
The award shown here was presented to Jean Brankart by the République libre d’Outremeuse, a Liège-based association founded in 1927 to preserve Walloon traditions, promote local folklore and support various charitable initiatives. The medal takes the form of a patinated metal pendant suspended from a ribbon in the colours yellow, red and green. It depicts a cockerel standing out against a background of sunbeams – a symbol of Wallonia – accompanied by the motto ‘WALON TOUJOURS’. The bold cockerel, depicted with one leg raised, is the historic emblem of Wallonia. The motto ‘Wallon toujours’, also expressed in Walloon as ‘Walon todi’, affirms a commitment to Walloon identity and traditions. This honorary award bears witness to the pride inspired in the Liège region by Jean Brankart’s achievements. It celebrates not only his sporting achievements but also his status as a Walloon champion who contributed to the region’s reputation.
The photographs serve as a reminder of the recognition the cyclist received. On the left, Jean Brankart is officially presented with an award.
Jean Brankart remains a major figure in Belgian cycling. He passed away on 23 July 2020 in Liège, leaving behind the memory of a discreet, versatile champion who was deeply attached to his Walloon roots.
Displayed in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this award from the Free Republic of Outremeuse preserves the memory of the tribute paid by Liège to one of its most remarkable cycling champions.
