There was a time when British cyclists who wanted to make it as professionals had to cross the Channel, learn a new language or two, adapt to a different world and fight for their place in the toughest sport on earth.
Vin Denson (left), who died on Wednesday 14th October aged 90, was one of those pioneers. And with his passing, the generation that included Brian Robinson, Tom Simpson and Barry Hoban has gone.
A strong Cheshire lad brought up on British time trials, track meetings and road races, Vin became one of Europe's most trusted domestiques, working for two giants of cycling, Rik Van Looy and Jacques Anquetil.
His move from Van Looy's rough-and-ready Solo-Superia team to Anquetil's glamorous Ford France outfit was quite a culture shock.
"It was like being with Manchester United," Vin recalled. One minute he was racing his bike, the next he was meeting Prince Rainier and Princess Grace at the royal palace in Monaco.
But Vin earned his place among cycling's aristocracy.
In 1965 he helped Anquetil achieve the seemingly impossible; winning the Critérium du Dauphiné, then the 584-kilometre Bordeaux–Paris the following day.
During the long, dark night, Anquetil was exhausted. Vin pushed him for miles, once feeling the Frenchman lean against him, apparently asleep on his bike.
A year later Vin had his own moment of glory, becoming the first Briton to win a Giro d'Italia stage, escaping alone through the hills to Campobasso.
He had another talent, too. During that Giro, Ford France's riders were unpopular with Italian fans, even getting pelted with tomatoes in Naples. But Vin charmed the Italian radio commentators by singing songs for their listeners during live broadcasts.
That was Vin. Tough enough to survive among the hardest men in cycling, talented enough to win himself, and blessed with a personality that made him friends wherever he went.
He leaves behind some wonderful stories, and a place in British cycling history that can never be taken away.
Farewell, Vin. One of the originals.
