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Tour pioneer Brian Robinson in hospital after being hit by car while cyclingBrian Robinson Tdf stage winner with Stage Winner brewers Sue Cooper and Wim van der Spek (image courtesy of Fcomms)

Tour pioneer Brian Robinson in hospital after being hit by car while cycling

83-year-old cycling great sustained cuts and bruises and possible broken collarbone
by Simon_MacMichael
Thu, Jul 17, 2014 09:24
13

Yorkshire cycling great Brian Robinson has spent the night in hospital in Wakefield after being struck by a car while out riding his bike yesterday.

The 83-year-old, the first British rider to complete the Tour de France and to win a stage in it, was taken to Pinderfields Hospital following the collision where his condition is described as serious but not life threatening, according to the Dewsbury Reporter.

The incident, involving a Volkswagen Passat car, took place at around 1.20pm on Lees Hall Road, Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury.

Councillor Martyn Bolt, Mr Robinson’s son-in-law, confirmed that he had sustained “severe” cuts and bruises and possibly a broken collarbone as a result of the crash.

He said: “We don’t know whether the driver pulled out from a side road or he swerved.

“But he’s hit the road and there was skin and blood on the road.

“The cuts at his age are quite severe.”

Mr Robinson acted as an ambassador for Yorkshire’s successful bid to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France, which drew millions of spectators to the region earlier this month.

Councillor Bolt went on: “It’s both tragic and ironic that an ambassador for cycling and someone who helped to bring the Tour de France here was brought down within walking distance of his home.

“We hope he’ll be back on his bike soon.”

Earlier this year, Mr Robinson had a beer, Stage Winner, launched in his honour in recognition of his exploits at the Tour de France.

In 1955 he was the first Briton to finish the race, and three years later became the country’s first stage winner. He won a second stage in 1959, and in 1961 won the overall at the Dauphiné Libéré.

Tour de France
Brian Robinson
Simon MacMichael

Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.

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13 comments

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AndrewRH | 10 years ago
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Councillor Bolt went on: “...brought down within walking distance of his home."

Umm, within cycling distance perhaps?

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

~Andrew~

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farrell | 10 years ago
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First Wiggins and now Brian Robinson, perhaps that's why Froome doesn't ride in Britain?

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Airzound | 10 years ago
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How is his bike?

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OldRidgeback | 10 years ago
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Hope he heals up ok. If the driver was at fault, I hope a suitable penalty is imposed also.

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mingmong | 10 years ago
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Can I join the well wishers - Hope you're back in the saddle soon sir.

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BikeBud | 10 years ago
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Wishing you a speedy recovery Brian!

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ChairRDRF | 10 years ago
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Anybody who has met Brian knows he is a real gent and good human being.

This incident does raise the issue of what effect having the Tour in Britain has actually had: see my scepticism here http://rdrf.org.uk/2014/07/11/will-the-tour-de-france-be-good-for-cyclin... and here http://rdrf.org.uk/2014/07/04/will-the-tour-de-france-be-good-for-cyclin...

All the best for a speedy recovery Brian, and of course, "See you up the road".

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djcritchley | 10 years ago
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The BBC has a quote from his son-in-law

"Drivers must be cautious. I would urge everybody to take a couple of seconds to make sure they are not putting somebody's husband, father or son in jeopardy."

I'm sure he also meant to include all the female cyclists out there.

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Roberj4 | 10 years ago
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Wish Brian a speedy recovery and out on his bike soon.

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Shades | 10 years ago
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Another 'reality check' after all the TdF euphoria and another bunch of potential cyclists put off. I was just watching a short article on him last night in the ITV4 TdF highlights programme. Hope he's back in the saddle soon.

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pmr | 10 years ago
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Wishing you a speedy recovery Mr Robinson.
Such a shame many people of all generations are too scared to ride on the nations roads. No matter how many times you bring the Tour over here it wont make jack difference when people are getting knocked off, hit, maimed and killed and left right and centre.

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Beatnik69 | 10 years ago
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Get well soon Brian. No mention of the driver? Did they stop, report the incident etc?

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Matt eaton replied to Beatnik69 | 10 years ago
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Beatnik69 wrote:

Get well soon Brian. No mention of the driver? Did they stop, report the incident etc?

I'm inclined to think that the driver did the right thing, otherwise we would know about it.

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