The trophies - 42
ITEM N° 626
THALER Klaus-Peter (D)
(14.05.1949)
His trophy for winning the 1980 Gelsenkirchen cyclo-cross
Born on 14 May 1949 in Eckmannshausen, Klaus-Peter Thaler is a former German cyclist, notable for his versatility on the road and in cyclo-cross. A professional from 1976 to 1988, he was one of the finest German specialists of his generation.
On the road, he won three stages of the Tour de France and wore the yellow jersey for two days in 1978. He also finished third in the 1977 Vuelta a España and won the points classification in that race. It was, however, in cyclo-cross that Klaus-Peter Thaler built the bulk of his reputation. A multiple German champion, he became professional world champion in 1985 and again in 1987, having already won the amateur world title in 1973.
On 13 December 1980, he triumphed at the Gelsenkirchen cyclo-cross, held in Germany. This victory was a testament to his technical mastery, power and endurance on challenging winter courses.
The item on display is the trophy awarded to Klaus-Peter Thaler for this victory. With a simple, modern design, it takes the form of a tall, silver-coloured metal vase, slightly flared at the top. Two slender handles trace large, symmetrical curves down the sides. The body rests on a cylindrical base made of dark wood, whose warm hue contrasts elegantly with the sheen of the metal. The original engraving visible on the front of the trophy refers to the Gelsenkirchen cyclo-cross and the date 13 December 1980. It establishes a direct link between the object, the race and its winner.
The signed photograph shows Klaus-Peter Thaler wearing the Maredo team jersey. Accompanied by a more recent portrait of the champion, it links this award to the man and his long sporting career.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy preserves the memory of a victory achieved by one of Germany’s greatest cyclo-cross specialists, who also excelled on the roads of major international races.
ITEM N° 629
THURAU Dietrich « Didi » (D)
(09.11.1954)
His 1977 German Sportsman of the Year award
Born on 9 November 1954 in Frankfurt am Main, Dietrich ‘Didi’ Thurau was one of the most popular German cyclists of the 1970s and 1980s. A professional from 1975 to 1989, he excelled on both the road and the track.
An excellent all-rounder, a powerful finisher and a remarkable pursuit specialist, he became the amateur world champion in the team pursuit in 1974. On the road, his notable victories included Liège–Bastogne–Liège in 1979, the Zurich Championship in 1978 and several stages of the Grand Tours.
The year 1977 marked the peak of his popularity. On his first appearance in the Tour de France, Thurau won the prologue in Fleurance, wore the yellow jersey for fifteen days and won five stages. He ultimately finished fifth in the general classification and was named best young rider. His performances captivated the German public and played a major role in boosting the popularity of cycling in his country. At the end of this exceptional season, he was voted German Sportsman of the Year for 1977.
The item on display is the official trophy awarded to Dietrich Thurau for this honour. Its sleek silhouette depicts a cyclist leaning over his handlebars, in a pose evoking speed and exertion. Carved from a light-coloured material, the figure rests on a double rectangular plinth of veined white marble. A central plaque bears the original engraving ‘Sportler des Jahres 1977 – Dietrich Thurau’, clearly identifying the winner and the year of the award.
The period photograph shows Didi Thurau in evening dress holding this very trophy. It serves as a valuable document of provenance, establishing a direct link between the preserved object, its original owner and the official ceremony of 1977. A signed photograph of the champion in action and a more recent image in which he is presenting the award complete this documentary collection.
Featured in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy bears witness to Didi Thurau’s extraordinary 1977 season and preserves the memory of one of the first German cyclists to enjoy immense international popularity.
ITEM N° 630
THURAU Dietrich « Didi » (D)
(09.11.1954)
The Silver Laurel awarded to him in 1977
Born on 9 November 1954 in Frankfurt am Main, Dietrich ‘Didi’ Thurau is one of the most popular German cyclists of his generation. A professional from 1975 to 1989, he enjoyed a brilliant career on both the road and the track.
An excellent all-rounder and powerful attacker, he won several stages in the Grand Tours as well as prestigious classics, including the Zurich Championship in 1978 and Liège–Bastogne–Liège in 1979.
The year 1977 remains the most memorable of his career. On his first appearance in the Tour de France, Didi Thurau won the prologue, wore the yellow jersey for fifteen days and won five stages. He finished fifth in the general classification and was named best young rider. These exceptional performances sparked immense enthusiasm in Germany. They earned him the title of German Sportsman of the Year for 1977 and the Silbernes Lorbeerblatt, or Silver Laurel Leaf. The Silver Laurel Leaf is the highest sporting honour awarded by the Federal Republic of Germany. It recognises sportspeople who have achieved remarkable results and demonstrated exemplary behaviour.
The item on display takes the form of an elegant laurel leaf in silver-plated metal. It is accompanied by a miniature bar adorned with the German national colours and is housed in its official presentation case. The interior of the case is lined with dark blue velvet, whilst its red lid bears the German federal eagle. This ceremonial presentation emphasises the official and prestigious nature of the award.
The photographs recall Didi Thurau’s exceptional season. On the left, he is pictured wearing the yellow jersey of the Tour de France. On the right, during the official ceremony, the Silver Laurel is clearly visible, pinned to the left side of his jacket. The champion is also holding his trophy for German Sportsman of the Year 1977.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this Silver Laurel bears witness to the recognition accorded to Didi Thurau following a season that left a lasting mark on the history of German cycling.
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