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British cycling is mourning the passing of Barry Hoban, who died on Saturday.
The 85 year old was one of the best British riders of all time, winning eight stages of the Tour de France plus two in the Vuelta a España.
He was the only British winner of Gent-Wevelgem, taking the race in 1974. In all Hoban racked up 27 victories during a career which ran between 1962 and 1980.
“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,” cycling photographer Graham Watson wrote on social media.
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 pic.twitter.com/tvzyRXxkUb
— Graham Watson (@grahamwatson10) April 20, 2025
Hoban’s first Tour stage was in 1967, the day after compatriot Tom Simpson passed away while racing up Mont Ventoux. The stage was effectively neutralized as a tribute to Simpson, but Hoban went on to take a stage the following year, plus consecutive victories in 1969. He doubled up again in 1973, and brought his tally up to eight via wins in 1974 and 1975.
He completed 11 Tours, which was a British record until Geraint Thomas surpassed it last year.
Hoban’s Gent Wevelgem success was one of his most notable as he outsprinted Eddy Merckx and Roger De Vlaeminck. Freddy Maertens and Raymound Poulidor were also in the 17 man front group.
Another superb ride came in the 1972 Paris-Roubaix when he finished third despite puncturing twice. He was also third in the 1969 Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Cycling commentator Jez Cox wrote a tribute to Hoban on social media. “What a sad day but also what an important day to celebrate what a massive impact Barry Hoban had,” he stated.
“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 married Tom Simpson’s widow Helen and is survived by her, daughter Daniella and step-daughters Jane and Joanne Simpson.
