Brian Robinson the first British racing cyclist ever to win a stage in the Tour de France joins Rhyl and other UK cyclists on a 90 mile Memorial Bike Ride from West Yorkshire to Birkenhead Woodside Ferry Terminal on Saturday 6 May starting at 8 a.m.

The event will raise funds for Rhyl Cycling Club families following the tragedy in January this year which claimed the lives of four club members.

Organised by Sue Bodell and colleagues at the Mirfield based John Cotton Group factory in Yorkshire the ride follows a trans pennine route via Huddersfield, Stalybridge, Mottram, Bredbury, Stockport, Cheadle, Altrincham, Lymm, Stretton, Frodsham, Helsby, Little Stanney, Two Mills (stopping at the famous Eureka cyclists café), Willaston, Bebington and Birkenhead Woodside Ferry Terminal.

Now over 75 years old Mr. Robinson achieved his landmark win at the 1958 Tour de France in a fiercely contested sprint against Italian favourite Arrigo Padovan on the stage from St. Briuc to Brest. The following year he gained one of the finest wins ever seen in the race when he broke away alone and won the stage from Annecy to Chalon-sur-Saone by over 20 minutes.

Sue says: “It is a great honour to have Brian Robinson ride with us. The tragic events which affected the Rhyl club have been extremely upsetting for many people and we want as many cyclists as possible to join us on this Memorial Ride and the more money raised the better.”

Veteran Rhyl club members remember Mr. Robinson’s historic Tour stage victories with great affection and pride. President Bill Twigg recalls: “Brian Robinson provided the breakthrough for other British riders to try their luck and achieve successful careers in the lions den of continental road racing. He remains an iconic hero and holds total respect from many of us involved in cycle sport over many decades.”

Paul Loftus added: “Mr. Robinson possesses the characteristic qualities of every great sporting champion: class, courage and dedication. Riding with him on this very special occasion would be the same as a footballer getting the chance to play alongside Pele.”

Rhyl CC members appreciate greatly the efforts of the event organizers in arranging this Memorial Bike Ride especially Sue Bodell for her infectious enthusiasm and commitment.

More information is available from the Rhyl CC website