The trophies - 8
ITEM N° 503
BOUWMANS Eddy (NL)
(30.01.1968)
The trophy he won at the Csepel Cup in Hungary in 1988
Born on 30 January 1968 in Aarle-Rixtel, Eddy Bouwmans is a former Dutch professional cyclist. A strong climber and consistent rider, he excelled mainly in stage races.
Before turning professional, he competed in several international races as an amateur. In 1988, he travelled to Hungary, where he won the trophy awarded at the Csepel Cup.
Having turned professional in the late 1980s, Bouwmans quickly achieved encouraging results. Winner of the Flèche Ardennaise in 1989, he went on to finish among the leaders in several European stage races. His greatest achievement came during the 1992 Tour de France. Finishing fourteenth overall, he won the Best Young Rider classification and brought the white jersey back to Paris. He also played a part in his team’s victory in the team time trial.
In 1993, he won the Classique des Alpes as well as a stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré. He continued his career until 1997, leaving behind a reputation as a reliable team-mate, particularly at ease on mountainous routes.
The item on display is a trophy won by Eddy Bouwmans at the 1988 Csepel Cup in Hungary. It bears witness to his early international experiences, prior to his move to the professional ranks. The object takes the original form of a commemorative glazed ceramic tankard. Its central section is decorated with a crowned lion and a coat of arms, accompanied by an inscription referring to the Hungarian competition and the year 1988. In terms of its design, this souvenir differs from the traditional cups awarded to winners. Its utilitarian form, combined with heraldic decoration, reflects a local and distinctive way of celebrating sporting achievement.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy preserves the memory of a success achieved early in Eddy Bouwmans’ career. It stands as a unique testament to his amateur career and his first results on the international stage.
ITEM N° 504
BOUWMANS Eddy (NL)
(30.01.1968)
His trophy for Best Young Rider at the 1990 Tour de Burgos
Born on 30 January 1968 in Aarle-Rixtel, Eddy Bouwmans is a former Dutch professional cyclist. A consistent and tenacious climber, he had a professional career spanning from 1989 to 1997.
After distinguishing himself in the amateur ranks, notably with his victory in the Flèche Ardennaise in 1989, he joined the Panasonic-Sportlife team. His climbing ability quickly enabled him to secure several podium finishes in stage races.
In August 1990, Bouwmans took part in the twelfth edition of the Tour de Burgos in Spain. He finished the race in seventh place overall and stood out amongst the young riders in the competition.
His career reached its peak during the 1992 Tour de France. Finishing fourteenth in the general classification, he won the white jersey as best young rider and played a part in his team’s victory in the team time trial.
The following year, he won the Classique des Alpes and a stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré. These results confirmed his prowess on mountainous routes and his ability to compete with the finest climbers of his era.
The item on display is the Best Young Rider trophy from the 1990 Tour de Burgos, awarded to Eddy Bouwmans. It commemorates one of his first significant results in an international stage race. The trophy takes the traditional form of a large cup with two handles. The whole stands on an ornate foot and a black rectangular plinth. The plaque affixed to the plinth mentions the Gran Premio de la Excma. Diputación Provincial, the twelfth Vuelta Ciclista a Burgos, and the dates of the event, which took place from 4 to 9 August 1990. The award also bears the inscription ‘Mejor Profesional’.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy serves as a reminder of Eddy Bouwmans’ promising early career. It bears witness to his progress in stage races and heralds the successes that would mark the early years of his professional career.
ITEM N° 047
BRANKART Jean (B)
(12.07.1930 – 23.07.2020)
His trophy for winning the Martini Team Challenge at the 1955 Tour de France
Born on 12 July 1930 in Momalle, in the province of Liège, Jean Brankart was a former Belgian professional cyclist. An excellent all-rounder and a strong climber, he competed as a professional from 1953 to 1960.
From his very first seasons, he proved particularly strong in time trials. Having finished ninth in the 1954 Tour de France, he went into the following edition as one of the leading members of the Belgian national team.
The 1955 Tour de France marked the high point of his career. Brankart won the eighteenth stage between Saint-Gaudens and Pau, then the long time trial on the twenty-first stage. He finished second in the general classification, 4 minutes and 53 seconds behind Louison Bobet. A versatile rider, he also achieved good results on the track. He was crowned Belgian pursuit champion on three occasions and won the bronze medal at the World Championships in this discipline in 1959. On the road, his notable victories included the Grand Prix du Midi Libre in 1959 and the mountains classification at the 1958 Giro d’Italia.
The item on display is a Martini Challenge trophy, an award associated with the team classification of the 1955 Tour de France. Preserved by Jean Brankart, it serves as a reminder of the collective nature of a competition in which riders competed under the colours of national and regional teams. The object consists of a metal wheel whose rim is adorned with the colours of the participating nations. The whole rests on a rounded black plinth bearing the gold inscription ‘CHALLENGE MARTINI’. Its resolutely modern design sets it apart from the traditional cups usually awarded at cycling events of that era. Beyond its decorative value, this trophy bears witness to the essential role played by team cohesion in the Tour de France.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this trophy preserves the memory of a historic edition for Jean Brankart. It commemorates both his second place in the general classification, his two stage victories and his contribution to the Belgian team.
