The cycling history of the Eindhoven region in the sixties and seventies comes to life during Tour de Retro 2026. Thanks to Piet Gijsbers, we have access to photos of, among others, Joop Glas, Henk van Vught, Wim Dielemans, and Hans van de Berg. This allows us to show many unique images in the Cyklist on Sunday, September 6.
Course in and around the City of Light
In the 1960s and 1970s, cycling was unprecedentedly popular in the Eindhoven region. While the peloton ravaged the wider region during famous races such as the Eight of Bladel and the Tour of the KempenThen, Eindhoven itself was also buzzing with cycling activity. During the exhibition, we bring the legendary asphalt of that era back into view, with beautiful action shots of classics such as the Tour of the City Centre, the Liberation Round and The Tour of the Iron Man. Also the impressive and historically so important ride of the Bayeux liberation torch The trip to Eindhoven has been beautifully captured on film.
Local heroes and iconic teams
The images showcase a wealth of famous clubs and legendary corporate teams. You see, among other things, unique photos of Club team and Amateur team Wilhelmina/Wilhelminia. Also cycling club 'Het Zuiden'‘ is featured extensively; we showcase them during the club championships and in full action on the characteristic cinder track at Botenlaan sports park.
In addition, it was the era of distinctive formations supported by local companies:
The famous cycling team Locomotive Vredestein, with the talented Eindhoven natives Willy Oppers and Wim Jellema in their ranks.
The formation of the Eindhoven road construction company Schapers and De Bont, the team in which successful former racer Piet Deenen, among others, managed to ride magnificent races.
The Grootels Bouwmij team, which really made an impression and was beautifully captured during the Engelsbergen Evening Four-Day Walk.
- The origin of famous ‘'Purple brigade' of the Jan van Erp team, co-built by Eindhoven former racer and team manager Jan Gisbers
Personal triumphs
Naturally, individual heroic deeds also take center stage in De Cyklist. We have stunning footage of Hans Koot who, as the glorious winner, managed to claim the Omloop van het Volk. And a very nice detail: we even have historical evidence from the photographer/cyclist. Joop Glas. In 1968, he himself fought out a magnificent duel in a fierce final sprint during the Tour of Budel-Schoot! Also new photos from the Oosterbosch family album. Also on display in the museum. Bert Oosterbosch on the first floor of the Cyklist.
This is just a selection of what will be on display, and the best part is: we are receiving more and more photos! The folders are filling up, making Eindhoven's cycling history even more complete.
Come and soak up the nostalgic atmosphere of yesteryear, reminisce about tall tales, and enjoy this unique footage during Tour de Retro on Sunday, September 6 at cycling café De Cyklist. See you then!
