The design of the cycling jersey represent many different things to different people. For team sponsors, they must stand out to increase brand awareness. For cycling fans they help pick out their favourite riders, teams, or a race or competition leader. Jerseys show who is a world champion, a national champion and who is leading a particular classification within a race.
PRO TEAM JERSEYS
The most iconic cycling jerseys possess a mystique and beauty that emanates from their design and part they played in the sport. Professional teams over the ages have had a profound influence in the evolution of the cycling jersey. Certain cyclists have brought fame and glory to their jerseys – from the Bianchi team jersey worn by Fausto Coppi, the Molteni of Eddy Merckx, and the St.Raphaël of Jacques Anquetil to the EMI of Charly Gaul.
1950’s PRO TEAM JERSEYS
At the start of the 1950’s, the only cycling sponsors permitted were bike and tyre brands. However this changed in the 2nd half of the 50’s when rules were relaxed to allow sponsors from outside of cycling, referred to as “extra-sportif” to have their names on the jerseys. The rules still didn’t allow them to be headline sponsors, although in Italy this was supposedly ignored.
THE SWINGING SIXTIES
Many regard the 1960’s as the golden age of pro cycling which featured some iconic jerseys. Colour choice on the jerseys became more vivid, as we were now able to appreciate the advancement of colour photography. The 1960’s also had its own cycling legends who added another layer to the story behind the cycling jersey.
THE GRAND TOUR JERSEYS
The Tour de France, Giro d’ Italia and Vuelta a España, each awards an overall race leader’s jersey, plus jerseys for the leaders of other classifications – The King of the Mountains jersey, Sprinters Jersey and the best young riders jersey. Grand Tour jerseys are amongst the most famous in cycling, especially the hallowed Maillot Jaune, the golden fleece, awarded to the leader and ultimate winner of the Tour de France
THE DESIGN OF THE MODERN ERA CYCLING JERSEY
Today, cycling jerseys are regarded as highly technical pieces of equipment. The use of its fabrication and extensive study into how they can best assist the rider across all circumstances and conditions including aerodynamics, have resulted in racing jerseys that are super comfortable - almost 2nd skin like, practical and very effective.
But cycling jerseys have evolved into something even bigger. From a philosophical and phycological perspective, the jersey also influences its rider. It provides an identify, it tells us who we are on a bike and which tribe we belong to.Who we might be and who we don’t care to be.
Some jerseys are iconic, others stylish, some downright ugly, and some just beautiful works of art.
Above all, jerseys mark the great occasions of cycling; they speak of its history, its personalities, and its style.
INTRODUCING THE LES HÉRITAGE CYCLING JERSEY COLLECTION
A stylish high performance race jersey crafted with textured lightweight materials and fused with iconic heritage design features.
