Barry Hoban: Tributes paid to Yorkshire legend of British cycling who battled greats in Tour de France

Having spent nearly two decades on the circuit, he was to become Britain's most successful Tour de France rider until Mark Cavendish.

Tributes poured in over the weekend as the news broke of his passing.

Photographer Graham Watson said: "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."

Charity The Rayner Foundation, describing him as "one of the original pioneers", said Hoban was an inspiration to all who followed.

Hoban – who rode mostly for Hutchinson-Mercier – held the record for most Tours completed by a British rider at 11 until Geraint Thomas broke his stretch only last season.

He also remains the only British rider to win Gent-Wevelgem.

Speaking to The Yorkshire Post when the Grand Depart was held in the region, he shared stories of going to school in Wakefield as a boy.

Becoming a professional cyclist in 1964, his wage was around £20 a week, he disclosed. “No one was paid a fortune back in those days not even footballers," Hoban had said.

And as Yorkshire had hosted the world's cycling leaders, he had spoken of his hopes that it might raise the sport's platform. "I would have loved to have been able to take part and compete," he had joked.

Now, taking to social media, sporting greats are among those to pay their respects.

Cycling commentator Jez Cox spoke of Hoban’s passion.

“What a sad day but also what an important day to celebrate what a massive impact Barry Hoban had,” he said. “He paved the way for Cav, G, Wiggins and Froome.”

And author, cyclist and friend Chris Sidwells remembers a “force of nature”. To all, in British cycling, in the lives of his family and those who knew him, he said, Hoban's passing has left an “Elvis-sized hole”.

He was known to guide, he said, with a “bit of straight-talking tough love”. “He wasn’t complicated, but he was deep,” said Mr Sidwells. “He raced because he loved it, and being a pro was how he kept racing.”

Mr Sidwells, of Cycling Legends Media, was to publish Hoban's autobiography Vas-y-Barry!

Expressing his condolences, he added: “Well it is job done now Barry my friend, and a job well done. I will miss you, I will miss your stories, your wisdom and your joy of life. Barry Hoban has indeed left the building, and he will be missed by all. Once met, Barry was unforgettable. How can you forget a force of nature?”

Hoban is survived by wife Helen, daughter Daniella and step-daughters Jane and Joanne Simpson.