- Hoban won eight different stages at the iconic Tour De France event in his career
British cycling legend Barry Hoban has died aged 85.
Hoban won eight different stages at the iconic Tour De France event throughout an illustrious careerer that included 19 years as a professional.
After news of his death emerged, several tributes came across social media.
Photographer Graham Watson said: ‘Sad news that Barry Hoban has passed away, he was a genuine legend from the glory days of old, and a hero to so many future pros’.
‘He was the first British cyclist I photographed in a Tour de France, in 1977, and I’m extremely glad to have this one image of the man in action. RIP.’
Esteemed cycling commentator Jez Cox wrote: ‘What a sad day but also what an important day to celebrate what a massive impact Barry Hoban had.
British cycling legend Barry Hoban has passed away at the age of 85
Hoban was extremely successful at the Tour De France – winning eight different stages through his career
‘He paved the way for Cav, G, Wiggins and Frome. I’ll never forget my interview I did with him about his 1974 @GentWevelgem win for TV.
‘What a passion for our sport. RIP Barry xx.’
Hoban was Britain’s most successful Tour de France rider, as he won eight stages between 1967 and 1975, until Cavendish’s emergence.
He is also the only British rider to win the Gent-Wevelgem event, which has been held since 1934.
Hoban, who spent much of his career as a rider for Hutchinson-Mercier, held the record for most Tours completed by a British rider at 11 – until it was broken by Geraint Thomas last season.
Hoban is survived by his wife Helen, daughter Daniella and step-daughters Jane and Joanne Simpson.
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