Retro Cycling Outfit Gitane FrigeCreme - REDTED
Gitane–Frigécrème - 1973
The riders in the red-white-and-blue cycling jersey on their blue Gitane bikes were a new standout in the pro peloton in 1973. Joop Zoetemelk signed with the new French team Gitane-Frigecreme. Known for his strategic insight and climbing skills, Joop was Gitane-Frigecreme's absolute leader.
Founded in 1925, sponsor Gitane grew from a small French bicycle assembler to a renowned brand that sponsored top cyclists. From the 1950s, Gitane achieved success with riders such as Jean Stablinski and later Jacques Anquetil, who took four of his five Tour de France victories on a Gitane. The takeover by Renault in the 1970s led to the dominant Renault-Gitane team, with legends such as Bernard Hinault, Laurent Fignon and Greg Lemond scoring major victories. With riders like Louison Bobet and Jacques Anquetil, Gitane achieved successes in the Tour de France. After some lean years, the arrival of Zoetemelk was to revive the glory years. In 1973, Joop won the prologue of the Tour de France and the sixth and 13th stages.
Joop Zoetemelk wins prologue Tour 1973 (Photo Bert Verhoeff / Anefo via the National Archives)
Furthermore, second place in the final classification of Paris-Nice, behind Raymond Poulidor. Third place in the final classification of the Tour de Romandie, behind Wilfried David and Luis Ocaña and eighth place in the final classification of the Tour of Spain.
Although the big success failed to materialise, Zoetemelk showed his class with these places of honour in 1973. During his time at Gitane-Frigecreme, Joop laid the foundations for his later triumphs, including his victory in the 1980 Tour de France.
In 1973, ice cream manufacturer Frigecreme was the refreshing sub-sponsor. As a result, the team's riders were regularly seen enjoying a refreshing ice cream after a tough stage.
Riders of the 1973 Gitane-Frigécrème cycling team were:
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ZOETEMELK Joop (Netherlands) 03/12/1946
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ANDRADE Joaquim (Portugal) - 14/06/1945
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BELLONE Gilbert (France) - 27/12/1942
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BELLOUIS Alain (France) 28/07/1947
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CAMPANER Francis (France) 01/02/1946
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DUYNDAM Leo (Netherlands) 02/01/1948
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FIN Henri-Paul (France) 20/03/1950
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JULIEN Ferdinand (France) 30/06/1946
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LARGEAU Jean-Claude (France) 06/04/1949
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LE GUILLOUX Maurice (France) 14/05/1950
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MARTIN Raymond (France) 22/05/1949
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MASSON Bernard (France) 20/09/1948
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MATTIODA Enzo (France) 22/08/1946
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MILLARD Joël (France) 23/01/1946
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NOGUÈS Alain (France) 21/03/1948
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PITARD Michel (France) 22/08/1950
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TOSI Pierre (France) 19/08/1949
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VIANEN Gerard (Netherlands) 09/02/1944
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WRIGHT Michael (Great Britain) 25/03/1941