Mirfield cyclist Brian Robinson featured in Tour de France 100th anniversary stamps

Legendary cyclist Brian Robinson has been immortalised on a series of stamps to mark the 100th anniversary of the Tour de France.
ANNIVERSARY HONOUR The stamp featuring Mirfield cyclist Brian Robinson.ANNIVERSARY HONOUR The stamp featuring Mirfield cyclist Brian Robinson.
ANNIVERSARY HONOUR The stamp featuring Mirfield cyclist Brian Robinson.

Mr Robinson features alongside seven other famous cyclists honoured by the Isle of Man Post Office, including fellow countrymen Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish.

The 82-year-old from Mirfield was the first Briton to finish the epic race in 1955 – 18 years after the first British attempt was made – and the first Briton to win a stage of the competition in 1958.

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Mr Robinson, currently on a cycling holiday in France, said he was honoured to feature alongside other cycling greats and the Queen.

“It’s something you never really dream about, being on a stamp with the Queen,” he said.

The image, one of Mr Robinson’s favourites, depicts the second time he won a stage of the Tour in 1959.

“It was a good day,” Mr Robinson added.

An Isle of Man Post Office spokesman said Brian had been included both for his victory and his key role in bringing the Tour to Yorkshire for next year’s Grand Depart, which will pass through Kirklees on July 6, 2014.

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Cycling enthusiast and Mayor of Kirklees Coun Martyn Bolt said: “It’s a fitting and long overdue for the contribution Brian made and continues to make to cycling.

“The importance of Brian’s achievements cannot be overestimated. Finishing the Tour and then winning a stage meant other people could see that it was a realistic achievement.

“He rode with some of the greats over several generations and he fits into that.”

Other cyclists honoured in the collection include the only four men who have won the Tour five times – Jaques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx and Miguel Indurain – and the first rider to wear the yellow jersey, donned by the person in first place.