Retro Cycling Jersey - Caballero - Gruppo Sportivo

RETRO CYCLING JERSEY CABALLERO-LAURENS

In the Dutch cycling scene of the 1960s and '70s there was one team with combative riders that left an indelible mark: Caballero. Sponsored by the eponymous popular cigarette brand, this outfit became a household name in the peloton. The name "Caballero," Spanish for knight, fitted the fighting riders perfectly. This is the story of the Caballero "knights" on the bike.

The early years: A team with character (1962-1969)
When the team was founded in 1962, it immediately became a serious player on the Dutch circuit. Under the inspiring leadership of team manager Gerard (Gé) Peters, a squad was forged that became known for its good atmosphere and attacking spirit. Gé himself was a very accomplished former rider: his palmarès include the world pursuit title, the European Madison championship, numerous national titles and several six-day races.

In the years before the big Tour appearance Caballero mainly focused on the many criteriums and classics in the Benelux. Contracts were modest; riders often received no more than a few hundred guilders and a clothing kit. But the easygoing, friendly atmosphere made up for much and attracted talented riders.

Riders like Leo Duyndam and Harrie Steevens developed here into absolute top competitors. Steevens in particular brought the team one of its greatest successes by winning the 1968 Amstel Gold Race. It proved that Caballero could measure itself with the international elite.

The Tour de France and the advertising law (1970)
1970 was a milestone. The team was invited to the 57th Tour de France. Due to increasingly strict French tobacco advertising rules, the team name was temporarily changed to Caballero-Laurens. Laurens was another brand from the same manufacturer — a clever way to work around the regulations.

The team lined up with ten riders, as was customary at the time. The selection consisted of: Henk Benjamins, Leo Duyndam, Huub Harings, Arie den Hartog, Cees Rentmeester, Wim Scheepers, Harrie Steevens, Gerard Vianen, Adrie Wouters and Cees Zoontjens. Although a stage win proved elusive, the team showed the world its attacking style of racing.

Goudsmit-Hoff (1971-1972)
Advertising for tobacco products was also restricted in the Netherlands. In the early 1970s the new Tobacco Act meant the name Caballero could no longer appear on the jersey. The team changed its name and spent its final two seasons as Goudsmit-Hoff, named after the wallpaper factory Goudsmit-Hoff from Rijen. The team came under the direction of the memorable team manager and former rider Kees Pellenaars ("de Pel").

Under that name they still achieved notable successes. Gerard Vianen won a stage in the Tour de France in 1971 and added Gent–Wevelgem to his palmarès in 1972. However, at the end of 1972 the curtain fell definitively after eleven eventful years for one of the most memorable teams in Dutch cycling history.

Note — European sizing! The cycling jerseys from Gruppo Sportivo use standard European sizing. See the size chart for measurements.