A Groupama–FDJ rider brought back some classic ’90s cycling fashion
And old trend is making a comeback
Photo by:
Sirotti
Ah, pro cycling in the ’90s. No helmets, EPO, Spinacis, EPO, Spinergy wheels, EPO. Helluva time. Kit was a little different, too. Cycling jerseys weren’t quite the same as they are now. They tended to be a bit looser, not the skin-tight speedsuits that are ubiquitous today.
Sometimes riders even cut their sleeves to create this frayed, loose look.
It is exactly 13 years ago that Laurent Brochard won stage 2 in Tour de Luxembourg, his last victory. His 'moment de gloire' was obviously The World Championship in 1997, in San Sebastian. He beated Bo Hamburger en Leon Van Bon. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/VbtkKam8IT
— Eritropoetina ?♂️ (@Eritropoetina) June 8, 2020
Since back then pros didn’t need to wear helmets, it meant there were all kinds of things you could do on your noggin.
You might remember the late Marco Pantani rocking his team bandana.
È nel 1997 che #Pantani diventa il Pirata, merito della bandana che indossa regalatagli dalla mamma.#Sfide pic.twitter.com/arEEmRdsRC
— Sfide (@sfide_rai3) January 4, 2015
Many other riders did as well, including the great French rider, Jacky Durand.
TdF '98 – Jacky Durand pic.twitter.com/P5yDppl7PD
— classicretro (@classicretro) November 29, 2020
Headbands were everywhere, too.
— Edward Henry (@edward_henry) February 7, 2022
A look that a few notable riders went with was a homemade visor. Guys, such as Andrea Tafi, would cut off the top of their team casquette and leave only the brim and sides. You’d get a bit of protection on your face from the sun but you could still let your locks flow.
Andrea Tafi, built for big ring use, even pre-race @friebos @SteveAtkinsonV8 @jamie_and_bikes @irishpeloton pic.twitter.com/3o033Z8tF0
— Mick Tarrant (@MickMikelt) October 25, 2021
Italian rider Lorenzo Germani from Groupama–FDJ rocked the classic look when signing in at the Volta a Catalunya in Spain. Of course, he’ll be wearing a helmet in the race, but it’s a nice throwback.
Lorenzo Germani making a bandana out of a casquette and I absolutely rate it ??#VoltaCatalunya102
?@GroupamaFDJ pic.twitter.com/fC4LrgqxuO— Dan Deakins (@DanDeakins) March 20, 2023
