Norbert Callens

Norbert Callens (22 June 1924 in Wakken, West Flanders – 12 March 2005) was a former Belgian professional road bicycle racer. He was a professional from 1945 to 1952. His victories include one stage win in the Tour de France and the 1945 edition of the Tour of Belgium. In the 1949 Tour de France, Callens was leading the general classification after he won stage 3, finishing in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Unfortunately for Callens, the truck with the jerseys had broken down and there was no yellow jersey available. The next stage, Callens started with an unofficial yellow jersey, and lost the lead to Jacques Marinelli. In 1994, the Tour de France had a stage finish in Boulogne-sur-Mer again. Callens was invited there, and finally got his yellow jersey, 45 years late.

Major results

1945 Machelen Tour of Belgium Coupe Marcel Vergeat St-Etienne 1947 Briek Schotte 1948 Harelbeke 1949 Omloop der Vlaamse Ardennen Tour de France: Winner stage 3 Leading general classification for one day