History

Since the Tour of Flanders took place last weekend, it's about time we look back at this beautiful race. Because although we know that many people think of the Cannibal, van Looy or Raas, there are many other successful riders who have won this race several times. And one of them is Eric Leman. Want to know more about him? Then feel free to read this blog.

The leader of the mountain classification in the Tour de France has worn the polka dot jersey since 1975. The first to wear it was the 'Little one of Mere', Lucien van Impe. Lucien's house must have been filled with these somewhat clownish jerseys because he won the mountain classification in the Tour de France no less than seven times. This story may sound familiar to you, but do you know where this polka dot jersey originally came from?

This year the 100th edition of the Tour of Catalonia was planned. Unfortunately, the 100th edition was cancelled due to the Corona virus. The first edition took place in 1911 and this makes it, after the Tour de France and the Tour of Italy, the oldest cycling race in the world.

The Tour of Lombardy, which once started as the Milan-Milan, is a one-day cycling classic in the north of Italy. Because this race takes place in autumn, it is nicknamed "the race of the falling leaves". A round which was traditionally dominated by Italians, has also seen Dutch and Belgian success.

Ferretti is an Italian cycling team that started in 1969. The team was recognizable by its blue cycling jerseys. Like many tastemakers, this cycling team owes its origins to Italian cuisine. The main sponsor of the cycling team from Capannoli was the 'Ferretti kitchen company'.

In 1896 two textile manufacturers and cycling fanatics - Théo Vienne and Maurice Perez - were looking for a way to promote their new velodrome in Roubaix. They invent a cycling race from Paris to Roubaix with the finish at their cycling track. The Paris-Roubaix cycling classic is born. The cobbled classic becomes the most beautiful cycling race in Europe.