Erpe-Mere celebrates 50 years since Lucien Van Impe's Tour de France victory

Erpe-Mere, Belgium, erupted in a sea of yellow on Saturday to celebrate cycling hero Lucien Van Impe, 50 years after his historic Tour de France victory. The town honored Van Impe with a grand parade and festivities, marking the half-century milestone since he became the last Belgian to win cycling's most prestigious race.

Van Impe's 1976 triumph not only secured him the coveted yellow jersey but also the polka-dot jersey for the mountains classification. Residents, some of whom were children when Van Impe first celebrated his win, lined the streets, adorned in yellow attire, to cheer for their local legend. The parade culminated at a podium in front of the church, where Van Impe engaged in conversation with former teammates and was celebrated by local officials.

Mayor Wim Lammens (CD&V) addressed the crowd, expressing pride in Van Impe's enduring legacy as the last Belgian Tour de France winner. "Nobody could have predicted that 50 years later you would still be the last Belgian with a Tour victory on your record," he stated, acknowledging the town's lasting pride. The mayor also commended the extensive efforts of local services, staff, and volunteers who organized the parade, a morning bike ride, and other celebratory events. The festivities continued into the evening with musical performances, ensuring a full day of celebration for the beloved cyclist.

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Nobody could have predicted that 50 years later you would still be the last Belgian with a Tour victory on your record. We are and remain rightly proud!