The trophies - 34
ITEM N° 291 (C)
STERCKX Ernest (B)
(01.12.1922 – 03.02.1975)
The trophy he received after finishing second in the 1956 Duffel Grand Prix
Ernest Sterckx, nicknamed ‘Nest’, was one of Belgium’s finest riders in the classics and kermesse races. A professional from 1943 to 1958, he was renowned for his power, his attacking style and his speed in small-group finishes.
His list of victories includes, notably, Ghent–Wevelgem in 1946, the Flèche Wallonne and Paris–Brussels in 1947, the Tour of Belgium in 1949 and the Grand Prix de l’Escaut in 1951. Ernest Sterckx also won the Circuit Het Volk three times, in 1952, 1953 and 1956. This remarkable consistency in one-day races earned him a reputation as one of the great Belgian specialists of his generation.
In 1956, he took part in the Grand Prix de Duffel, a regional race featuring several professional riders. He finished in second place behind Gérard Deborre, whilst Alfons Voordeckers completed the podium. This honour came during a particularly successful season. That same year, Ernest Sterckx won the Circuit Het Volk for the third time and claimed a stage victory in ‘Across Belgium’.
The item on display is the trophy awarded to Ernest Sterckx for his second place in the 1956 Duffel Grand Prix. It takes the form of an imposing gilded metal cup with a simple, solid silhouette. The upper part is decorated with several wide concentric rings. The rounded body is extended by a short stem resting on a square plinth of light-coloured stone. A medallion bearing the year 1956 adorns the cup, whilst a small manufacturer’s plate is affixed to the plinth.
The photographs framing the object show Ernest Sterckx in a portrait and in full flight on his bicycle. They serve as a reminder of the power and determination of this robust Flemish cyclist.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy commemorates Ernest Sterckx’s second place in the 1956 Duffel Grand Prix and bears witness to the career of a remarkable specialist in Belgian one-day races.
ITEM N° 293
THÉVENET Bernard (F)
(10.01.1948)
His trophy as winner of the 1974 Tour of Catalonia
Born on 10 January 1948 in Saint-Julien-de-Civry, Bernard Thévenet was one of the great French champions of the 1970s. An excellent climber and stage-race rider, he spent most of his career riding for the Peugeot team.
His name remains closely associated with the Tour de France, which he won in 1975 and 1977. During the Pra-Loup stage in 1975, he brought an end to Eddy Merckx’s dominance and earned the nickname ‘the Cannibal’s conqueror’. His list of honours also includes the 1972 Tour de Romandie, the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré in 1975 and 1976, as well as several stage victories in the Tour de France.
From 4 to 11 September 1974, Bernard Thévenet competed in the Tour of Catalonia riding for Peugeot–BP–Michelin. The race comprised a prologue and seven stages, covering a distance of approximately 1,208 kilometres. At the end of the race, the Frenchman won in a time of 34 hours, 32 minutes and 51 seconds. He finished one minute ahead of the Spaniard Andrés Oliva and 1 minute and 12 seconds ahead of Domingo Perurena.
The item on display is the trophy awarded to Bernard Thévenet for his overall victory in the 1974 Tour of Catalonia. It takes the form of a large, richly decorated silver-coloured metal cup, closed by a lid surmounted by an elegant finial. The cylindrical body is encircled by ornamental motifs and fitted with small, ornate handles. The whole rests on a circular foot attached to an imposing dark red truncated conical plinth.
The photograph on the right shows Bernard Thévenet receiving this very cup at the end of the race, beneath the banner of the Gran Premio Banco de Bilbao. The one on the left shows him personally presenting his trophy to Noël’s son during the 1994 Liège–Bastogne–Liège race. It constitutes a valuable document of provenance, directly linking the object to its original owner.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy commemorates Bernard Thévenet’s victory in the 1974 Tour of Catalonia and bears witness to the remarkable career of a courageous champion who went on to become one of the great names in French cycling.
ITEM N° 303
VAN DER POEL Adrie (NL)
(17.06.1959)
His trophy for winning the 1987 Tour of Piedmont
Born on 17 June 1959, Adrie van der Poel is a former Dutch cyclist who turned professional in 1981 and retired in 2000. A highly versatile rider, he excelled in both road racing and cyclo-cross.
His remarkable list of achievements includes, notably, the 1986 Tour of Flanders, the 1988 Liège–Bastogne–Liège, the 1990 Amstel Gold Race, as well as two stages of the Tour de France. He also became cyclo-cross world champion in 1996.
In 1987, riding for the PDM team, Adrie van der Poel won the Tour of Piedmont ahead of the Belgian Eric Van Lancker and the Italian Adriano Baffi. This victory confirmed his qualities as a classics rider, capable of holding his own on undulating courses and finishing a demanding race effectively.
The item on display is the trophy awarded to Adrie van der Poel for his victory in the 1987 Tour of Piedmont. This elegant metal cup features a flared bowl surrounded by two large, curved handles. It rests on a slender stem attached to a cylindrical wooden plinth.
The original commemorative plaque affixed to the plinth marks the awarding of this prize. The photograph on the left shows the champion in full flight whilst wearing the PDM jersey, whilst the one on the right captures his meeting with Noël Gregoire.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy serves as a reminder of a major success achieved by one of the most well-rounded Dutch cyclists of his generation.
