The water bottles, caps and gloves - 3
ITEM N° 159
KELLY Sean (Irl) (21.05.1956)
A pair of KAS team gloves worn in 1986
Sean Kelly is one of Ireland’s greatest cyclists and one of the finest classics specialists in the history of cycling. A professional from 1977 to 1994, he stood out for his endurance, power, resistance to the cold and remarkable tactical acumen. His record includes 193 professional victories, including nine Monuments. Notably, he won three Giro di Lombardia, two Paris–Roubaix, two Liège–Bastogne–Liège and two Milan–San Remo. He also won the 1988 Vuelta a España, four points classifications at the Tour de France and set a record of seven consecutive victories in Paris–Nice between 1982 and 1988.
This item is a pair of gloves from the Spanish KAS team worn by Sean Kelly during the 1986 season. Yellow in colour, the gloves feature the name ‘KAS’ in large black letters on the back of the hand, in keeping with the team’s visual identity. A visible tear in the palm bears witness to intensive use and lends the item significant material value.
The 1986 season was one of the most brilliant of Sean Kelly’s career. Riding for KAS, he won Paris–Nice for the fifth consecutive time, having previously won the prologue held on the streets of Paris.
A few days later, he triumphed in Milan–San Remo, then went on to win Paris–Roubaix for the second time. By winning these two Monuments in the same year, Kelly achieved a particularly rare double, demonstrating his ability to triumph both on the fast roads of the Riviera and on the gruelling cobbles of northern France.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this pair of gloves serves as a memento of Sean Kelly racing in KAS colours in 1986. Their worn condition makes them a particularly evocative testament to an exceptional season and the gruelling conditions in which the Irish champion forged his legend.
ITEM N° 168
KUIPER Hennie (NL) (03.02.1949)
A pair of racing gloves worn by the 1975 world champion
Hennie Kuiper was one of the most well-rounded Dutch cyclists of his generation. A professional from 1973 to 1988, he stood out for his stamina, his fighting spirit and his ability to excel in both major stage races and the classics.
An Olympic road race champion in Munich in 1972, following a solo breakaway of around 40 kilometres, he became professional world champion in 1975 in Yvoir, Belgium. He also won the 1976 Tour de Suisse and finished runner-up in the Tour de France twice, in 1977 and 1980. Kuiper won three individual stages of the Tour de France, including two prestigious finishes at Alpe d’Huez, in 1977 and 1978. He subsequently became a leading specialist in one-day races, winning four of the five Monuments: the Tour of Flanders and the Tour of Lombardy in 1981, Paris–Roubaix in 1983 and Milan–San Remo in 1985.
This item is a pair of racing gloves used by Hennie Kuiper. The name ‘Hennie Kuiper’ is inscribed in black letters around each cuff. The reinforced palms protected the hands against vibrations, friction and impacts, which were particularly taxing on cobblestones and during long days of racing. The visible marks on the fabric bear witness to their use.
The pair is accompanied by a letter signed by Hennie Kuiper and addressed to Noël Grégoire. In it, the Dutch champion states that he is sending gloves used during his career. This correspondence establishes a direct link between the rider, the items and the collection, lending the whole collection significant provenance value.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this pair of gloves preserves the memory of Hennie Kuiper, Olympic champion in 1972 and world champion in 1975. They serve as a personal testament to the career of a cyclist who excelled in the Grand Tours as well as on the most gruelling routes of the classics.
ITEM N° 170
LAURENT Michel (F) (10.08.1953)
Peugeot–Esso cap worn in 1978
Born in Bourbon-Lancy, Michel Laurent was one of the finest French cyclists of his generation. A professional from 1975 to 1984, he distinguished himself as a climber and a stage race specialist. His notable victories include Paris–Nice in 1976, the Flèche Wallonne in 1978, the Critérium National in 1980 and the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré in 1982. He also won a stage of the 1983 Tour de France.
This cap was worn by Michel Laurent in 1978 whilst riding for the Peugeot–Esso–Michelin team. Made from unbleached cotton, it features the famous black-and-white chequered stripe characteristic of the Peugeot team. The name ‘Peugeot’ appears in black lettering on the peak, whilst the red Esso logo is displayed on the side.
The period photograph authentically shows Michel Laurent wearing a cap of this design with the Peugeot–Esso–Michelin jersey. It places the item in its sporting context and confirms that the rider wore this kit.
The 1978 season remains one of the most significant of his career. On 20 April, Michel Laurent won the Flèche Wallonne in Verviers, ahead of Gianbattista Baronchelli and Dietrich Thurau. He also triumphed in the Critérium des As, cementing his place amongst the finest French cyclists of the time.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this cap preserves the memory of Michel Laurent riding in the Peugeot–Esso–Michelin colours in 1978. Its iconic design and the accompanying archive photograph make it a representative artefact of professional cycling in the late 1970s.
