The water bottles, caps, musettes and gloves - 12
ITEM N° 742
"Willem II " promotional water bottle
Used in cycling from 1966 to 1970
A vintage ivory-coloured plastic cycling water bottle bearing the colours of Willem II, a Dutch cigar manufacturer based in Valkenswaard. Its design combines a red-orange panel, a wide black band, the name ‘Willem II’ in white lettering and a stylised cigar reflecting the sponsor’s business. The patina of the plastic, the scratches and the partial wear to the markings bear witness to the age of this item and its use in a racing environment.
The Willem II company entered professional cycling in 1966 by partnering with the bicycle manufacturer Gazelle. Led by Ton Vissers, the Willem II–Gazelle team included several renowned riders, amongst them Rik Van Looy, Peter Post, Harm Ottenbros, Rini Wagtmans and René Pijnen.
Competing in the Tour de France in 1969 and 1970, the team won two stages: the first with Rik Van Looy in 1969, and the second with Rini Wagtmans in 1970. It also enjoyed success in numerous European classics and races.
An essential item for supplying riders with refreshments, this water bottle now stands as a valuable testament to the partnership between industry, advertising and professional cycling in the late 1960s.
ITEM N° 743
Promotional water bottle from the ‘Gazelle’ bicycle manufacturer
A name in cycling for several decades
A vintage cycling water bottle made of white plastic, bearing the famous emblem of the Dutch firm Gazelle. Its design combines a red-orange cartouche, a blue medallion depicting a leaping gazelle, and the brand name in large blue letters. Its original cap, non-slip strips and generous shape are characteristic of the water bottles used in cycling during the 1970s and 1980s.
Founded in 1892 in Dieren, the Netherlands, Gazelle gradually became one of Europe’s leading bicycle manufacturers. The brand maintained a long-standing commitment to competitive cycling and supplied its bikes to several professional teams. It was notably associated with the Willem II–Gazelle, Canada Dry–Gazelle and Frisol–Thirion–Gazelle teams.
Champions such as Rik Van Looy, Harm Ottenbros, Rini Wagtmans, Jan Raas and Hennie Kuiper all raced on Gazelle bicycles. In 1975, Hennie Kuiper’s victory at the World Championships contributed to the prestige of the Gazelle Champion Mondial model.
An essential accessory for refuelling, this water bottle bears witness to Gazelle’s enduring presence in the international peloton and to the growing importance of advertising for bicycle manufacturers amongst professional teams.
ITEM N° 744
"Atala" promotional water bottle from the 1980s
A presence in cycling since 1907
This translucent white plastic water bottle features the famous blue Atala logo three times. Its cylindrical body has two ribbed sections for a better grip, as well as a valve cap held in place by a flexible strap.
Founded in the early 20th century, Atala won its first Giro d’Italia as early as 1909 with Luigi Ganna. During the 1980s, the brand returned to the forefront of the sport, notably with the Swiss track cyclist Urs Freuler. Atala
The small scratches, marks and stains on the object bear witness to its use. Its shape and design suggest it dates from the 1980s, a period during which Atala’s bicycles were associated with the successes of numerous champions.
Featured in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this water bottle serves as a reminder of Atala’s significant contribution to the sporting and industrial history of Italian cycling.
