The trophies - 10
ITEM N° 059
BRUYNEEL Johan (B)
(23.08.1964)
His ‘Fighting Spirit’ award trophy from the 1990 Tour de la C.E.E.
Born on 23 August 1964 in Izegem, West Flanders, Johan Bruyneel is a former Belgian professional cyclist. A professional from 1989 to 1998, he stood out for his all-round riding ability, his stamina and his knack for seizing opportunities in stage races.
After making his debut with SEFB, he went on to ride for Lotto, ONCE and Rabobank. A consistent performer on demanding courses, he achieved several notable results in major international events.
In 1990, during his second professional season, Bruyneel took part in the Tour of the European Community, also known as the Tour de la C.E.E. His attacking style and presence during the race’s most exciting moments earned him the ‘Fighter of the Race’ award. This award recognises not so much a specific ranking as the rider’s attitude: his attacks, his tenacity and his determination to influence the flow of the race. It is a testament to the fighting spirit Bruyneel displayed from the very early years of his career.
The Belgian went on to win a stage of the Vuelta a España in 1992. In the Tour de France, he claimed victory in Amiens in 1995 following a long breakaway led alongside Miguel Indurain. He also finished seventh in the general classification of the Tour de France in 1990 and third in the Vuelta in 1995.
The item on display is the trophy for the 1990 Tour de la C.E.E. ‘Fighting Spirit’ award, presented to Johan Bruyneel. The trophy takes the form of a metal cup with classic lines, featuring two finely crafted handles. Its flared body rests on a central stem and a light-coloured rectangular plinth bearing the commemorative plaque.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy serves as a memento of an award won at the start of Johan Bruyneel’s professional career. It highlights the importance of the ‘fighting spirit’ awards, which are designed to recognise riders who bring the race to life beyond the final result alone.
ITEM N° 380
CHAPPE Georges (F)
(05.03.1944)
His trophy as winner of the 1965 ‘Promotion Pernod’
Born on 5 March 1944 in Marseille, Georges Chappe is a former French cyclist. A professional from 1965 to 1975, he made a name for himself as a reliable team-mate and an attacking rider, capable of excelling on hilly courses as well as in long breakaways.
From his very first professional season, he achieved several promising results. His consistency enabled him to win the 1965 Promotion Pernod, a national ranking designed to recognise young French riders at the start of their careers. Created as part of the prestigious Challenge Pernod, this category helped the best young hopefuls make the transition to the professional ranks. His victory placed Georges Chappe amongst the French breakthrough talents of the 1965 season.
During his career, he took part in several editions of the Tour de France. His greatest success in the Tour came in 1968, when he won the fourth stage in Aurillac after a long breakaway.
Georges Chappe also excelled in cyclo-cross. He became French champion in the discipline in 1970, confirming his versatility and his ease on difficult terrain.
The item on display is the trophy awarded to Georges Chappe for his victory in the 1965 Promotion Pernod. The plaque on its upper section bears the name of the competition and clearly indicates the year of this honour. The plaque on its upper section bears the name of the competition and clearly indicates the year of this honour. A second plaque attached to the base bears the name of Georges Chappe. This identification by name unequivocally links the award to the young professional honoured at the end of the 1965 season.
Featured in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy bears witness to Georges Chappe’s promising early career. It preserves the memory of an award that no longer exists, but which was once significant in recognising young talent in French cycling.
ITEM N° 067
CHOZAS Eduardo (E)
(05.07.1960)
His trophy as winner of the 1990 Tour of Andalusia
Born on 5 July 1960 in Madrid, Eduardo Chozas is a former Spanish professional cyclist. A professional from 1980 to 1993, he distinguished himself as a tenacious climber, particularly effective in breakaways and on mountainous routes.
A regular feature in the Grand Tours, he competed in numerous editions of the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España. His consistency and stamina enabled him to complete a remarkable number of three-week races.
Eduardo Chozas won four stages of the Giro d’Italia between 1985 and 1987. In the Tour de France, he triumphed in Granville in 1986, then won solo the stage finishing at the summit of Luz-Ardiden in 1990. That same year, 1990, was one of the most memorable seasons of his career. Riding for the ONCE team, he won the general classification of the Tour of Andalusia, also known as the Ruta del Sol.
This victory was a reward for his consistency throughout the race and his ability to defend his lead over varied terrain. It confirmed his calibre in stage races held on Spanish roads.
The item on display is the trophy awarded to Eduardo Chozas for his overall victory in the 1990 Tour of Andalusia. The plaque affixed to the plinth states the general classification and the edition in question. The object takes the traditional form of a metal cup. Its wide, flared bowl is framed by two decorative handles and rests on a slender stem composed of several moulded sections. The whole is mounted on a dark, quadrangular base which contrasts with the golden sheen of the metal. The marks visible on the surface bear witness to the age of this award and its material history.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy commemorates one of Eduardo Chozas’s major victories in the general classification of a stage race.
