The medals & plaques - 6
ITEM N°539
DAEMS Corneille (B)
(04.02.1964)
His 1980 Belgian Novice Champion’s medal
Born on 4 February 1964 in Etterbeek, Corneille Daems grew up in a family with deep roots in cycling. He is the son of Émile Daems, a prestigious Belgian champion who won, amongst other races, the Tour of Lombardy, Milan–San Remo and Paris–Roubaix.
Corneille began competing at a very young age and quickly made a name for himself thanks to his skills on the road. On 13 July 1980, aged just 16, he won the Belgian championship for the novices’ category – known as ‘nieuwelingen’ in Dutch – in Nijlen, in the province of Antwerp. The race was contested over a distance of 59 kilometres.
This national title was one of the first major successes of his career. He went on to confirm his talent by winning the Flanders Trophy in Reningelst in 1981, followed by the Ledegem–Kemmel–Ledegem race in 1982.
Having turned professional in 1986, Corneille Daems rode successively for several Dutch and Belgian teams, including Transvemij–Van Schilt, SEFB–Peugeot, La William and Collstrop. His professional career continued until 1993.
The medal on display commemorates his 1980 Belgian novice championship title. Suspended from a wide ribbon in the national colours, it bears the emblem of the Belgian Cycling Federation. On the reverse are the inscriptions ‘Debutants – Nieuwelingen – 13.07.1980 – Nijlen’, which specify the category, date and venue of the championship. Preserved in its red case, this medal stands as a direct testament to the victory achieved by the young cyclist.
The central photograph was taken in Lavaux-Sainte-Anne on 18 August 2021. In it, Corneille Daems is shown displaying a Belgian champion’s jersey as well as several medals he has kept from his competitive years. This encounter documents the passing on of precious memories linked to his career.
Displayed in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this medal commemorates the national title won by Corneille Daems at the age of 16 and keeps alive the memory of a family that held a special place in the history of Belgian cycling.
ITEM N° 540
DAEMS Corneille (B)
(04.02.1964)
His medal from the 1983 Belgian Military Points Race Championship
Born on 4 February 1964 in Etterbeek, Corneille Daems began competing at a very young age and quickly showed great promise. In 1980, in Nijlen, he became Belgian road champion in the beginners’ category.
He continued to progress in the junior ranks, notably winning the Flanders Trophy in 1981 and the Ledegem–Kemmel–Ledegem race in 1982. His results on both the road and the track demonstrate his versatility.
After several seasons as an amateur, Corneille Daems turned professional in 1986 with the Dutch team Transvemij–Van Schilt. The photograph shown dates from that first season: the rider poses proudly next to his bike, wearing the team’s official jersey. He subsequently joined various Belgian teams, including SEFB–Peugeot, La William and Collstrop. Primarily a support rider, he took part in numerous international races and continued his professional career until 1993.
The medal on display commemorates his title as Belgian military champion in the points race in 1983. Made of gilded metal, it hangs from a black, yellow and red ribbon, reflecting the national colours.
Its rim is adorned with a laurel wreath, a traditional symbol of victory, whilst a star appears at the top. The inscriptions are engraved in French and Dutch: ‘Military Cycling Championship – Points Race – Armed Forces’ and ‘Militair wielerkampioenschap’. This medal is a valuable testament to an important period in Corneille Daems’s youth. It serves as a reminder that, before turning professional, the cyclist had already distinguished himself on both the road and the track.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this medal commemorates the military title won by Corneille Daems in 1983 and illustrates the versatility of a cyclist from a prominent Belgian cycling family.
ITEM N° 541
DAEMS Corneille (B)
(04.02.1964)
His 1982 Belgian Junior Madison Championship medal
Corneille Daems grew up in a family with a deep passion for cycling. He is the son of Émile Daems, a renowned Belgian champion who won the Tour of Lombardy in 1960, Milan–San Remo in 1962 and Paris–Roubaix in 1963.
Corneille distinguished himself very early on in the junior ranks. On 13 July 1980, in Nijlen, he won the Belgian Road Championship for beginners, whilst he was only 16 years old. He went on to confirm his talent by winning the Flanders Trophy in Reningelst in 1981, followed by Ledegem–Kemmel–Ledegem in 1982. A well-rounded rider, he also achieved remarkable results on the track. In 1982, Corneille Daems became the Belgian junior champion in the American race. This spectacular track discipline is contested by teams of two riders, who take turns propelling each other by hand. The ranking is determined by the points earned during the sprints and the number of laps won.
This national title is a testament to his speed, endurance and tactical acumen. It also highlights the versatility of a young rider capable of excelling on both the road and the track.
The medal on display honours his title as Belgian Junior Champion in the American race in 1982. Suspended from a black, yellow and red ribbon, its colours serve as a reminder of the national significance of this victory. Its design, surrounded by a laurel wreath, symbolises the honour bestowed upon Belgian champions. This medal stands as a direct testament to Corneille Daems’ formative years and the successes he achieved before turning professional.
The photograph shows the young cyclist standing beside his bike, wearing the colours of Transvemij–Van Schilt in 1986. It marks his entry into professional cycling, four years after his national track title.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this medal commemorates the Belgian junior American race title won by Corneille Daems in 1982 and bears witness to his impressive track record in the junior categories.
