The trophies - 30
ITEM N° 253
POULIDOR Raymond (F)
(15.04.1936 – 13.11.2019)
His trophy for winning the 1964 Vuelta a España
Born on 15 April 1936 in Masbaraud-Mérignat, in the Creuse department, Raymond Poulidor was a French professional cyclist from 1960 to 1977. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Poupou’, he remains one of the most popular champions in the history of cycling.
French champion in 1961, he won Milan–San Remo that same year. His list of victories also includes Paris–Nice, two Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré titles and seven stages of the Tour de France. Although he never wore the yellow jersey, he finished on the Tour’s final podium eight times: three times in second place and five times in third.
From 30 April to 16 May 1964, Raymond Poulidor competed in the Vuelta a España as part of the Mercier–BP–Hutchinson team. Having spent much of the race trailing the leading Spanish riders, he turned the situation around during the time trial held around Valladolid, two days before the finish. Thanks to this decisive performance, he won the Vuelta ahead of Luis Otaño, whom he beat by just 33 seconds, and José Pérez Francés, who finished third, 1 minute and 26 seconds behind. This victory remains Poulidor’s only success in the general classification of a Grand Tour.
The item on display is the trophy awarded to Raymond Poulidor for his victory in the 1964 Tour of Spain.
This imposing silver-coloured metal cup consists of a wide bowl fitted with two finely crafted handles. It is topped by a slender lid, surmounted by a decorative flame-shaped motif. The bowl rests on a long fluted stem, attached to a substantial cylindrical wooden base. The engraving visible on the central part of the cup is original and directly commemorates the 1964 Vuelta.
The photograph on the left shows Raymond Poulidor personally presenting this trophy to Noël Grégoire in 1997. Signed by the champion, it constitutes a valuable document of provenance and establishes a direct link between the object, its original owner and the collection.
Featured in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy preserves the memory of Raymond Poulidor’s greatest success in a stage race and of one of the champions most beloved by the French public.
ITEM N° 261
ROCHE Stephen (IRL)
(28.11.1959)
His trophy as winner of the 1989 Tour of the Basque Country
Born on 28 November 1959 in Dundrum, near Dublin, Stephen Roche is a former Irish professional cyclist who competed from 1981 to 1993. A well-rounded and elegant rider, he excelled both in the mountains and in time trials.
The year 1987 marked the peak of his career. Stephen Roche won the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France and the World Road Championships in quick succession. In doing so, he achieved the prestigious Triple Crown, a feat previously accomplished only by Eddy Merckx.
His list of honours also includes Paris–Nice, three Tours de Romandie, two Critériums Internationaux and several stages of the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia.
From 3 to 7 April 1989, Stephen Roche took part in the 29th edition of the Tour of the Basque Country riding for the Fagor team. The race consisted of five stages covering a total distance of 676 kilometres, between Lazkao and Zumaia.
Thanks to his performance in the final time trial, the Irishman won the general classification ahead of the Spaniards Federico Echave and Jesús Blanco Villar. He finished just one second ahead of Echave and three seconds ahead of Blanco Villar, at the end of a particularly closely contested race.
The item on display is the trophy awarded to Stephen Roche for his victory in the 1989 Tour of the Basque Country.
It takes the form of a large silver-coloured metal cup, comprising a rounded bowl fitted with two side handles. Its domed lid is topped with an elegant decorative motif in the shape of a flame. The bowl rests on a wide metal stem attached to an imposing black cylindrical plinth. A commemorative plaque affixed to the plinth bears Stephen Roche’s name and commemorates his victory in the Basque race. The documents displayed on the right, including a signed photograph of the trophy and an accompanying letter, help to establish the object’s provenance and its connection to Stephen Roche.
Featured in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy commemorates Stephen Roche’s victory in the 1989 Tour of the Basque Country and honours one of the greatest champions in the history of Irish cycling.
ITEM N° 262
ROCHE Stephen (IRL) (28.11.1959)
His trophy for best climber at the 1989 Critérium International
Born on 28 November 1959 in Dublin, Stephen Roche is one of Ireland’s greatest cyclists. A professional from 1981 to 1993, he made history in 1987 by winning the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France and the Road World Championships in the same year.
A well-rounded rider, an excellent climber and a remarkable all-rounder, he also won Paris–Nice, the Tour de Romandie and the Critérium International in 1985 and 1991.
On 25 and 26 March 1989, Stephen Roche took part in the 58th edition of the Critérium International, contested over three stages between Bollène and Avignon. Riding for the Fagor-MBK team, he finished third in the general classification, 29 seconds behind Miguel Indurain, behind Charly Mottet. During the race, his climbing prowess enabled him to win the King of the Mountains classification, awarded to the best climber.
The trophy shown takes the form of an elegant transparent plaque mounted on a multi-tiered plinth. Its upper section features a red pictogram depicting a cyclist in the throes of exertion. The engraved inscriptions read: ‘58th Critérium International 1989’, ‘Best Climber’ and ‘Vaucluse General Council’. Its modern, minimalist design highlights the distinction achieved by the Irish champion.
The photograph shows Stephen Roche racing in the Fagor team jersey. The reference to the year 1987 recalls the exceptional season during which he achieved his historic hat-trick.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy bears witness to Stephen Roche’s outstanding qualities as a climber and preserves the memory of his remarkable performance at the 1989 Critérium International.
