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Remembering Barry Hoban: A Pioneer of British Cycling
Barry Hoban, a prominent figure in cycling and one of the first British riders to achieve success in European professional cycling, passed away at the age of 85. Known for his sprinting prowess, Hoban held the UK record for eight stage victories in the Tour de France for 34 years, a milestone eventually surpassed by Mark Cavendish. His remarkable record of completing 11 out of 12 Tour starts stood until 2024 eclipsed by Geraint Thomas, solidifying his legacy in the world of professional cycling.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Barry Hoban’s journey was deeply connected to Tom Simpson, another British cycling star who tragically died during the 1967 Tour de France. Like Simpson, Hoban resided in Ghent, Belgium, and later married Simpson’s widow, Helen. The echoes of Simpson’s untimely death resonated with them for many years.
Beyond the Sprint: Tactical Acumen
Hoban’s capabilities extended beyond mere sprinting. He was renowned for his tactical brilliance—described as lucide in French cycling circles—and possessed a remarkable memory for race routes. His keen understanding of tactics and course knowledge made him a formidable competitor in one-day classics.
Triumph in the Classics
- Hoban’s victory at the 1974 Ghent-Wevelgem, ahead of cycling legends Roger de Vlaeminck and Eddy Merckx, remains unmatched by any other British rider.
- He also secured a notable win at the 1966 GP Frankfurt.
From Yorkshire Coal Mines to European Success
Born in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, into a mining family, Barry Hoban followed his father, a bricklayer, into the local colliery after finishing school at 15. The family’s Catholic faith distinguished them within their community. Hoban began his cycling journey using his father’s old equipment, joining the Calder Clarion cycling club. By 17, he emulated Tom Simpson. He represented Great Britain at the 1960 Rome Olympics before moving to northern France to race as an independent. Securing 35 race wins in two years earned him a spot on the Mercier team, led by Raymond Poulidor.
Professional Career Highlights
In his inaugural professional season in 1964, Hoban aimed to earn £1,000. He demonstrated early promise with two stage wins in the Tour of Spain and narrowly missed winning a Tour de France stage in Bordeaux. However, team dynamics favored Poulidor.
Tour de France Stage Wins
Hoban initially did not consider his first Tour stage win a genuine victory due to the circumstances surrounding Tom Simpson’s death. However, a year later, he claimed a solo win in the Alps at Sallanches after a 75-mile breakaway. His tactical awareness led to consecutive stage wins in 1969, forming alliances during breakaways and leveraging his sprinting ability.
- Versailles, 1973: Outsmarting other sprinters with his understanding of the technical finish.
- Montpellier, 1974: Recalling a crucial corner near the finish line.
- Bordeaux, 1975: His final stage victory occurred on a banked velodrome, showcasing skills honed on Yorkshire tracks.
Later Years and Legacy
Regrets lingered regarding Hoban’s relationship with the UK cycling establishment. Disagreements with domestic racers and the denial of his application to become national coach left him feeling unappreciated.
Final Victories and Retirement
Hoban’s last European victory was in a stage of the Four Days of Dunkirk in 1978, defeating Freddy Maertens. He completed his final Tour at 38 and retired in 1980 after 19 seasons, racing for Falcon in the UK. He later worked for a bike manufacturer in Newton, Powys, producing Barry Hoban bikes, with a portrait of Tom Simpson displayed in the reception area, emphasizing their enduring connection.
Family
He is survived by his wife Helen, their daughter Daniella, his stepdaughters Jane and Joanne Simpson, and a brother and sister.