Women's cycling - 4
PIECE N° 424
CLIGNET Marion (F)
(21.02.1964)
Her 1996 World Pursuit Champion’s jersey
Marion Clignet is one of the leading figures in French women’s cycling of the 1990s. Born on 21 February 1964 in Chicago, she particularly distinguished herself on the track, where her power, endurance and expertise as a pursuit specialist enabled her to build up a remarkable international record.
Having represented the United States at the start of her career, she competed for France from 1991 onwards. Notably, she became world champion in the individual pursuit in 1994 and again in 1996, and also won two Olympic silver medals in this discipline, in Atlanta in 1996 and in Sydney in 2000.
The item featured in the collection is a remarkable world pursuit champion’s jersey, associated with her world title won in 1996. The famous rainbow stripes—a universal symbol reserved for world cycling champions—appear against a white background.
This garment serves as a particularly evocative testament to Marion Clignet’s golden age on the international velodromes. The inclusion of a personal dedication to Noël further enhances its heritage value: beyond her sporting achievements, the item preserves a direct link between the champion and the collection.
PIECE N° 609
DEIGNAN Elizabeth « Lizzie » (G.-B.)
(03.08.1983)
Her waterproof jersey as leader of the points classification in the 2024 La Vuelta Femenina
Lizzie Deignan is one of the greatest British cyclists of her generation. A 2015 road world champion and silver medallist at the 2012 London Olympics, she has particularly distinguished herself in the major classics.
Her list of victories includes the 2016 Tour of Flanders, the 2020 Liège–Bastogne–Liège and the inaugural Paris–Roubaix Women’s race in 2021. A well-rounded and experienced rider, she has distinguished herself through her endurance, tactical acumen and attacking style.
This item is a green waterproof points classification leader’s jersey, worn by Lizzie Deignan during the second stage of the 2024 Vuelta Femenina. The race began on 28 April 2024 with a 16-kilometre team time trial held in Valencia. Lizzie Deignan played a part in the Lidl–Trek team’s victory, secured by a margin of just nine hundredths of a second ahead of Visma–Lease a Bike. She then set off on the second stage, between Buñol and Moncofa, wearing the green points classification leader’s jersey shown here. This 118.3-kilometre stage was won in a sprint by the Canadian Alison Jackson.
This jersey links a great British champion with one of the leading stage races on the international women’s calendar. Its function as a waterproof garment sets it apart from traditional leader’s jerseys and demonstrates how distinctive kit is adapted to the weather conditions encountered during the race.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, it is a precious memento of La Vuelta Femenina 2024 and Lizzie Deignan’s long career.
PIECE N° 610
ENZENAUER Ute (D)
(18.01.1965)
Her 1981 rainbow jersey as road world champion
Ute Enzenauer is a former German cyclist who holds a special place in the history of women’s cycling.
In 1981, aged just 16, she won the Road World Championships held in Prague, Czechoslovakia. She finished ahead of France’s Jeannie Longo and the American Connie Carpenter, becoming the youngest women’s road world champion in history. She went on to finish eighth in the road race at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, became German road champion in 1986 and 1987, and then took third place in the 1987 Women’s Tour de France.
This item is a rainbow world champion’s jersey associated with the title won by Ute Enzenauer in 1981. The jersey bears a handwritten dedication by Ute Enzenauer, which enhances its personal character and establishes a direct link with the champion.
This jersey commemorates one of the most remarkable achievements in women’s cycling: the world title won by a rider aged just 16.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, it represents a rare memento of the 1981 World Championships and Ute Enzenauer’s career.
