Former professional Brian Robinson, the first British rider to complete the Tour de France back in 1955, has been awarded the C A Rhodes Memorial Award. The award is the premier honour for cyclists from Robinson's home region of Yorkshire in the north of England.
"It's a great honour to receive the C A Rhodes Memorial Award, particularly when you look at some of the names of the others who have won it, including Beryl Burton and Barry Hoban," Robinson told The Huddersfield Daily Examiner.
Robinson, who still rides 90 miles a week at the age of 75, was a member of the British Hercules team that started the 1955 Tour de France. Only Robinson and Tony Hoar finished, Robinson in 29th place and Hoar last. While Hoar never returned to the Tour, Robinson finished the race four more times and took two stage victories. His best overall placing was in 1956 when he was 14th, one place behind his team leader, that year's king of the mountains, Charly Gaul.
Robinson's pioneering efforts opened the door for a significant British presence in the Tour. In 1961 11 Britons started the race.
Robinson will collect the award at the Yorkshire Veterans Time Trials Association Luncheon at The Bridge Hotel, Walshford, near Wetherby, on January 29.
