Retro Cycling Jersey - Limited Edition C&A - Eddy's Last Team - Gruppo Sportivo

Retro cycling jersey limited edition C&A - 1978 

The Dutch clothing chain C&A founded the Belgian cycling team C&A in 1978. The C&A cycling team was set up especially for Eddy Merckx. Eddy was sportingly over the top at that time, but still a sponsor magnet. For this reason, C&A only wanted to get involved in a cycling team with Eddy. The team was partly a continuation of the Fiat France cycling team, which had dropped out. In addition to Eddy, five other Belgian cyclists came from the Fiat team. There was also a rich addition of a number of experienced Belgian riders and new talents.

It was a completely Belgian cycling team. Apart from the German team leader Rudi Altig of course. The whole team and staff consisted of Belgians, with cyclists such as Joseph Bruyère, Guido Van Calster, Ward Janssens, the Planckaert brothers, the mountain king Lucien Van Impe, Jos Deschoenmaecker and Ludo Loos. The team recorded some 17 victories including one stage in the Tour de France.

After many years at the top, Eddy was past his prime. It was hard for him to continue. On '19 March 1978 Merckx rode his last official cycling race in Kemzeke in the 'Omloop van het Waasland'. After this Eddy was the team leader of the C&A cycling team for a short time.

Please note! Sizes slightly smaller. When in doubt between two sizes, it is best to choose the larger size. See size chart for measurements.