With the “widely anticipated” unveiling of both Leopard-Trek’s and Garmin-Cervelo’s new kits we thought it would be interesting to look back into the archives to see how it used to be done. Nowadays, the new team and kit presentations are done with much fanfare, limousines, black-tie events, and sometimes even strippers. But back in the day (at least in the early 90’s) it was a much more simple affair.
Looking at this photo it’s not hard to imagine the Banesto squad prepping outside on the Banesto bank steps in Madrid or some such place while the bank’s board of dignitaries waits inside in the conference room to see the product of their investments. But this photo leaves the viewer with these questions. Is the team fixing to mess with the board by hiking up their bibs, pulling down their leg warmers, and wearing their sunnies underneath helmet straps? Are they initiating new riders to The Rules by visually demonstrating crisp tanlines and the faux pas of short socks? Or maybe they’re waiting for Big Mig to show up and dress them properly. These are the questions a Velominatus asks.
(disclaimer: after vigorous “research” it was determined that it is not known whether this picture was taken at a pre-season team meeting or even in Spain for that matter)
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Gilbert seems to continually violate The Rules on the helmet level. His is always pushed back and up a bit, though he does seem to be getting better of late. He still wears the dual earrings though, which I think aren't so sweet. But hey, he lives The V so I'm not going to question the dude too much.
That photo is awesome. Love the hiked up bibs. Those jerseys are sweet as. I have a Banesto jersey, but from a different year; I'm going to have to keep my eye out for this vintage.
I love the photo of Big Mig TT in Banesto kit on a funny bike painted Banesto colors.
I
Gilbert is one of those guys who will singlehandedly not just transcend the rules but actively alter them. If his 2011 is anything like his 2010 (2009, 2008...) and we see him in the flipped cap look a fair bit, I guarantee you we won't be having this conversation this time next year. This also kinda goes back to this, and maybe we ought not to frown on cycling cap wear from cyclists. At the same time, the Cannibal's look never really caught on either, but who can imitate the Cannibal?
It's great the different perception that one can have on a rider (and I like that).
Even if I'm a huge fan of the Classics and the rouleurs that exalt them
I'm not a fan of Gilbert, he's very good, he had always won in style, but
his words at the WC in Australia made me think at a tragical deficency in Rule n.5
@Steampunk
Rule Transcendence is possible only by the hardest riders. Pantani is an example, with the bandana; Cipo is another, with the Rainbow Turd kit. Indeed it will be interesting to see how our view has changed, if at all, by next year.
@Pedale.Forchetta
I've not been a big fan either, until his Lombardy win and his ride at the Worlds. Thankfully, I didn't see the comments from him after the race that you're referring to, so I'm still a blissful, freshly converted fan.
@Gillis
don't forget those wonderful Pinarello's made out of real, honest metal.
Yes, and we have to consider that the actual builder for those frames was Dario Pegoretti!
@Pedale.Forchetta
Indeed. Some old bits we wrote on the subject here and here.
Grazie Frank.
this photo was taken from the 1991 giro d' italia. here's the link to the set it was included in. the photos are awesome and have been featured or linked to many other cycling blogs / sites. you will definitely find plenty of screen saver shots from it and will provide for numerous "anatomy of a photo" bits.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27377603@N06/2637819651/in/photostream/
If Phil-Gil keeps saying shit like this AND riding like a demon, he can break whatever rules he wants.
"It was nice in Geelong, I liked it. For me, if I could decide, I would race without them (radios). I can see a race, feel a race, so I don't need it. I won Lombardia without a radio. I was in contact with my teammates and not with the car, and when you have a good vibe with your teammates it's more important than the one with your directeur sportif. The most important relationship is the one you have with your teammates," Gilbert told Cyclingnews.
"Often in races I start with a radio but most of the times I take it off. A lot of riders want the radios because it makes them feel safe but I don't understand that. I respect it, but I don't understand. They say it's dangerous because you don't know what's coming up or around the corner but it's also dangerous when the directeurs tell everyone that they need to be in the first ten coming into a tricky corner. Everyone goes full gas trying to move to the front."