The Court of Trustees has adjudged Brian Robinson worthy of special recognition as the first Briton to win a stage and complete the Tour de France and as an ambassador for cycling.
Commencing cycling at the age of 14 in 1944, Brian Robinson followed his father and brother by joining Huddersfield R.C. In 1952 he finished eighth in the Helsinki Olympic Games Road Race, became National Hill Climb Champion and won the Esholt Grand Prix.
In 1953 as a professional for Ellis Briggs Cycles be finished second in the Tour of Britain, holding the yellow jersey for some days and in 1954 he won the G.P. Tour of the Pennines.
In 1955 riding with Hercules in Europe, Brian became the first Briton to complete the Tour de France, finishing in 29th place. He gained a stage win in the Tour of Europe and held the yellow jersey in the Sud-Est stage race.
As a member of the international team in 1956 he achieved eighth place in both the Vuelta and the Tour of Switzerland. Joining the St. Raphael team in 1957 Brian won a stage in the Paris-Nice, third place in Milan-San Remo, fourth place in the Fleche Wallone and became the first Briton to win a stage in the Tour de France, being successful at Brest. He won a further stage in 1959 at Chalon-sur-Saone. Brian’s finest victory was in 1961 when he won a stage and finished first overall in the Dauphine Libere.
Since retiring Brian has been a superb ambassador for cycling. These exploits over 50 years ago have brought great honour to Yorkshire and fully entitled Brian to this award.
29th January 2006