Joop Zoetemelk, a name synonymous with perseverance, consistency and cycling history. Born on December 3, 1946 in the small town of Rijpwetering, this Dutch cycling legend grew into one of the best Tour riders of all time. His career, which spanned a whopping 17 years, is a story of dedication and exceptional achievements. With 16 participations in the Tour de France – a record he shares with Sylvain Chavanel – and a glorious Tour victory in 1980, Zoetemelk has immortalized his name in cycling history. He was a master of riding Grand Tours, as well as numerous other victories, such as the Vuelta a España in 1979 and the World Road Championships in 1985, where he was still among the absolute top at the age of 38. Cycling clothing brand REDTED celebrates this iconic rider with the cycling shirt 'Monsieur Tour', a unique and colorful retro shirt that pays tribute to the cycling teams in which Joop Zoetemelk rode. The shirt combines the styles of his teams:
- Gitane (1973)
- Gan-Mercier (1974-1976)
- Miko-Mercier (1977-1979)
- TI-Raleigh (1980-1981)
- Kwantum (1984-1986)
- Superconfex (1987)
With this shirt, you can ride like 'Monsieur Tour' himself and literally carry 17 years of cycling glory with you.
Joop Zoetemelk: The Eternal Second who always won
Joop Zoetemelk is known for his modest and calm character. He was not a flamboyant rider, but a man of endurance, with an ironclad condition and a flawless sense of tactics. His consistency earned him the nickname 'The Eternal Second', as he finished second in the Tour de France no less than six times during his career. Yet he was much more than that nickname suggests. His nickname 'Monsieur Tour', as the French respectfully called him, underscores his undeniable class and his status as one of the greatest stage racers in history.
In total, Zoetemelk has won 10 stages in the Tour de France and has been at the start 16 times, 15 of which he managed to finish – a feat that highlights his consistency and perseverance. His victory in 1980, at the age of 33, was the highlight of his career. He then beat strong competitors such as Hennie Kuiper and Bernard Hinault and rode into Paris in the iconic yellow jersey.
In addition to his Tour success, Zoetemelk won the Vuelta a España in 1979 and became world champion on the road in 1985, proving that age is not a barrier to success.
'Monsieur Tour' - a cycling jersey with a story
Today, Joop Zoetemelk lives with his wife Françoise in France, where he has been based since the 70s. The 'Monsieur Tour' cycling jersey, designed by REDTED, is more than just a sporty garment. It is a tribute to his impressive career, his tireless fighting spirit and his place in the hearts of cycling fans worldwide.
With this jersey we pay tribute to a true legend, who has inspired generations of cycling enthusiasts and who is still a source of pride for the Netherlands and the international cycling world.
REDTED's honorary cycling jerseys
The cycling jersey 'Monsieur Tour' is part of our collection of honorary cycling jerseys, in which we honor the greats of the sport. In addition to Joop Zoetemelk, REDTED has designed jerseys in honor of Eddy Merckx ('Le Cannibale') and Bernard Hinault ('Le Blaireau'). Each jersey tells a unique story and brings the glory days of these cycling heroes back to life.
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‘Monsieur Tour’ - ‘Le Cannibale’ - ‘Le Blaireau’
Ride in style and carry a piece of cycling history with you. Choose your favorite e and be inspired by the greats of the cycling world.