He is a figure in Breton cycling who has passed away. Jean Bobet, Louison’s brother, died this weekend at the age of 92.
The brother of the 1954 world champion was also a professional racer from 1951 to 1959. Among his major victories are Paris-Nice in 1955 and Genoa-Nice in 1956. He also took 3 1st place at Milan-San Remo in 1955.
Bretillien, a native of Saint-Méen-le-Grand, took part in the Tour de France twice, as his brother’s luxury teammate, in 1955 and 1957. In 1955, he even finished 14th overall. Two years later, he is 15th. In 1957 he also experienced the Giro, where he finished 25th. “I was a special cyclist, believed to be the youngest, born in 1930, five years after my brother. First, I was a curiosity that was described as an intellectual. It was written on my face: I wore glasses. And then I was the other’s brother. It read everywhere: Louison Bobbett was the champion.
Locally, his greatest Breton victory was probably that of the Circuit du Morbihan in 1953.
Jean Bobet also shines on the track. In 1955 he set the hour record behind turf, covering 54.884 km.
After his cycling career, Jean Bobet became a journalist at l’Équipe, then at RTL, where he was head of sport. He was even briefly offered the role of director of the Tour de France. Always attached to Brittany (his family is based in Quiberon), he runs a thalassotherapy center on the peninsula and in the Basque Country with his brother. He is also the author of several books on cycling.
