1. Overview
Henry Peter Christian Hansen (16 March 1902 - 28 March 1985) was a prominent Danish road racing cyclist who achieved significant success at both amateur and professional levels. He is best known for winning two gold medals at the 1928 Summer Olympics and a silver medal at the 1932 Summer Olympics. Hansen also secured a World Championship title in 1931 and dominated numerous national and regional championships. After retiring from competitive cycling, he continued to contribute to the sport through various administrative roles.
2. Early Life and Background
Henry Peter Christian Hansen was born on 16 March 1902, in Copenhagen, Denmark.
3. Cycling Career
Henry Hansen enjoyed a highly successful career in road bicycle racing, marked by numerous victories at major international events including the Olympic Games and World Championships, as well as consistent dominance in national and regional competitions. His career primarily flourished during his amateur years before a brief professional stint.
3.1. Amateur Career
Hansen's amateur career was exceptionally distinguished, making him one of Denmark's most celebrated cyclists. At the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, he won two gold medals, triumphing in both the individual road race and the team road race. He continued his Olympic success by securing a silver medal in the team road race at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
In 1931, Hansen became a World Champion by winning the amateur individual road race at the Road World Championships, which were held in his home city of Copenhagen. Beyond this victory, he consistently performed at a high level, placing in the top 10 at three other World Championships during his career.
He also demonstrated significant dominance at the Nordic Championships, winning the individual road race title in 1925, 1926, 1927, and again in 1929. Furthermore, he helped his team secure the team title at the Nordic Championships in 1926 and 1929.
Nationally, Hansen was a prolific winner of the Danish national championships. He won the amateur individual road race title in 1921, 1923, 1926, 1927, 1929, and 1930. In 1925, he achieved a notable double victory, winning both the amateur individual road race and the amateur individual time trial (ITT).
3.2. Professional Career
Following his extensive amateur career, Hansen transitioned to professional cycling. He competed professionally in 1937 and 1938, though this period did not yield major successes compared to his earlier amateur achievements.
4. Post-Cycling Activities
After his retirement from competitive cycling, Henry Hansen remained an active and influential figure within the sport. He took on various administrative positions, demonstrating his continued dedication to the development of cycling in Denmark. His most prominent role was serving as the Chairman of the Danish Cycling Union from 1967 to 1971.
5. Personal Life
Henry Hansen had a familial connection to another notable Danish cyclist, Knud Enemark Jensen. Hansen's niece was married to Jensen. Knud Enemark Jensen gained international attention for his tragic death during the individual road race at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, which was later found to have been caused by amphetamine intake.
6. Death
Henry Hansen died on 28 March 1985, at the age of 83.
7. Legacy
Henry Hansen is widely regarded as one of Denmark's most significant figures in road bicycle racing. His achievements, particularly his two Olympic gold medals and a World Championship title, cemented his status as a legendary cyclist of his era. Beyond his competitive success, his later contributions as a sports administrator further underscore his lasting impact on the sport of cycling in Denmark.