Barry Hoban dead at 85: British cycling and Tour de France legend dies as tributes pour in

BRITISH cycling legend Barry Hoban has died aged 85.

Hoban was an eight-time Tour de France stage winner and spent 19 years on the professional circuit.

GettyCycling legend Barry Hoban has died aged 85[/caption]

Tributes poured in after the sad news of his passing.

Photographer Graham Watson posted: “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.”

Commentator Jez Cox wrote: “What a sad day but also what an important day to celebrate what a massive impact Barry Hoban had.

“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.”

Until Mark Cavendish, Hoban was Britain’s most successful Tour de France rider – winning eight stages between 1967 and 1975.

He also remains the only British rider to win Gent-Wevelgem.

Hoban – who rode mostly for Hutchinson-Mercier – held the record for most Tours completed by a British rider at 11 until Geraint Thomas broke it last season.

Hoban is survived by his wife Helen, daughter Daniella and step-daughters Jane and Joanne Simpson

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