Cycling: Robinson at heart of big night of nostalgia

Aug 17 2005 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

EIGHTEEN former Tour de France riders were among a 90-plus gathering paying homage to the pioneering British riders who were the first from the UK to finish the world's most famous bike race 50 years ago this summer.

The two who were the first Britons to cross the finish line in 1955 were Brian Robinson of Mirfield and Tony Hoar, who flew from Canada to attend Saturday's nostalgic event at Dewsbury District Golf Club.

They were joined by five other riders from those original 10 who represented Britain in the Tour half a century ago.

One of them, Ken Mitchell, travelled from Queensland, Australia to attend.

Although Hoar, who finished last in 1955, never rode another Tour, Robinson, now aged 74, finished 29th overall and went on to ride seven Tours, finishing five of them, and picking up two stage wins in the process.

He was the first British rider to win a stage.

Bringing proceedings right up to date on Saturday was David Millar, Britain's most recent representative in the Tour and a former stage winner and wearer of the race leader's yellow jersey.

Millar spoke of his pride at being present among a unique group of cyclists.

He was among the first to benefit from the Dave Rayner Fund, which gives financial help to young riders racing on the contintent.

Saturday's event raised £750 for the Fund.

ITV's Tour de France commentator Phil Liggett paid tribute to the "cycling pioneers" who led the way for others to follow.

Liggett himself led the way next day for the Phil and Friends charity ride, raising funds for the campaigning funds of the Cyclists' Touring Club, of which he is president.

And Brian Robinson was among the record entry who joined him at Sheffield for a 70-mile plus ride starting with the climb of The Strines to Langsett and then up Holme Moss before taking in three major Peak District climbs.

The event, which had two routes, was organised by the Huddersfield section of the CTC and attracted 730 riders from all over the country.

* Young Holme Valley Wheeler Thomas Wood is carving out a reputation for himself in time trials and clinched his latest success in Sunday's Wolds RT 10-mile event at North Cave, near Hull, when he clocked 26min 5sec to win the junior prize.

* Former Holme Valley Wheeler Ed Clancy has been named in the Great Britain team for the six-day Tour of Britain, starting in Glasgow city centre on Tuesday, August 30.

And don't rule out the Under 23 Academy squad rider's chances of wearing the coveted yellow jersey when the race heads over Holme Moss for the Yorkshire stage between Leeds and Sheffield on Thursday, September 1.

Whatever the race brings for Clancy, he can be sure of some extra encouragement from the crowds lining Holme Moss.

* Huddersfield Star Wheelers mountain bike section are holding an invitation run on Saturday, August 27. Meet opposite the New Inn in Grange Moor at 10am for a medium-paced two and a half hour mainly off-road ride taking in Briestfield and the West Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Helmets are a must and riders are asked to bring tyre levers and spare tube. Minimum age 14, unless accompanied by an adult.

Further details from Ian Colley on 01484 648325.

* Ravensthorpe CC's John Hatfield covered 232 miles in the National 12 hour time trial championships in South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North Lincolnshire, won by London-based Michael Hutchinson with 285.74 miles, nine miles ahead of his nearest challenger, Bath's Nik Gardiner.