AS Tour De France winning Bradley Wiggins and silver medallist Lizzie Armitstead are inspiring cyclists across the city, a Chester-born rider has been recalling the times he was in the saddle for world classic events.
Vin Denson, 76, is the proud owner of the first Yellow Jersey to be won by a British cyclist.
Vin, who now lives in Essex, was handed the Yellow Jersey by British team-mate and good friend Tommy Simpson in 1966.
But tragedy was to befall Simpson as he became only the second cyclist to die on the Tour De France the following year at the age of just 29.
Vin said: “I remember it was Friday the 13th and it was the 13th stage of the tour when it happened, and his cycling numbers added up to 13. He gave it his all during that Tour.
“I was given his jersey and it must be worth thousands now. I will probably give it to my son as he has been a good support.”
Vin, who grew up in Handbridge, revealed it was only a recurring knee injury while playing football at school that forced him to take up cycling.
“I was with Chester Schoolboys but I kept having problems with my knee, where the cartilage would keep poking out. I visited the doctors and after having an operation I was advised by the surgeon to take up another activity such as cycling.”
Vin then raced for Chester Road Club and went on to international success.
He won the 1965 Tour of Luxembourg and remains the only Englishman to take a stage victory in the Gio D’Italia, triumphing in stage nine of the 1966 competition.
Speaking about today’s modern athletes, he said: “The Sky team of cyclists is a world of difference from my day. They have Dave Brailsford, who has organised all the aerodynamics, the training and the technology.
“I have spoken so proudly about the likes of Mark Cavendish and how proud it is to represent the UK, and that was the case with Tom, who used to tell me we can beat them with the right spirit.
“The wins are good for UK cycling.”
