Brian Robinson - A Gentleman Cyclist

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All sports have their special heroes. The individuals whose values stand for something more that simply the number of victories they achieved; the great footballer, Bobby Moore, British Open golf champion, Henry Cotton and Fred Perry, the Wimbledon Tennis champion are among those such names . British sportsman who were more simply great athletes.

In British cycling, Brian Robinson is one of these as in 1958, he became the first British rider to win a stage of the Tour de France. He was a member of the first British team to ride the Tour in 1955 and he achieved fame by becoming the first British rider to finish the Tour.

Showing the way for later riders to achieve success; names such as Tom Simpson, Barry Hoban and Robert Millar, Robinson went on to claim a second and famous Tour de France victory in Chalon-sur-Saone in 1959 after a solo ride of 150 km.

He has always remained as down to earth from that day until now, modest about his achievements, but always approachable for advice and support and in this special film, we see unique archive film of him riding in that famous 1959 Tour, as we trace the story of his life from humble beginnings in Muirfield to cycling stardom.

As President of the Bradford based cycling charity, The Dave Rayner Fund, Brian Robinson now helps guide the careers of younger riders, and with his Olympic and Tour de France experience is always willing to pass on his knowledge for their benefit.

A Film by Ray Pascoe

R/T 100 mins

Plus 40 mins of bonus features