The jerseys - 14
ITEM N° 571
CLAVEYROLAT Thierry (F)
(31.03.1959 – 07.09.1999)
His King of the Mountains jersey – 1993 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré
Thierry Claveyrolat was one of the most outstanding French climbers of his generation. A professional from 1983 to 1994, the rider from Isère particularly excelled when the road climbed, his mountain skills earning him the affectionate nickname ‘the Eagle of Vizille’.
An excellent climber and attacking rider, he notably won two stages of the Tour de France and, in 1990, claimed the Tour de France King of the Mountains classification, cementing his reputation as one of the finest French mountain specialists of his era.
The item presented here is a spectacular white jersey with red polka dots, awarded to the best climber at the 1993 Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré. The jersey also holds a particularly personal significance: it bears a handwritten dedication from Thierry Claveyrolat’s wife, transforming this competition garment into a true testament to their bond and the legacy he left behind.
Beyond its sporting value, this item thus preserves the memory of a rider with a generous spirit, deeply associated with the mountains and a particularly popular era in French cycling.
ITEM N° 068
CLOSE Alex (B)
(26.11.1921 – 21.10.2008)
His yellow jersey as winner of the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré – 1956
Alex Close was one of the leading figures in post-war Belgian cycling. A professional rider during the 1940s and 1950s, he stood out for his consistency and his skills in stage races, at a time when Belgium produced a wealth of great champions.
His name remains particularly associated with the Tour de France, in which he competed on several occasions. He achieved his best result in 1953, finishing fourth in the general classification, behind Louison Bobet, Jean Malléjac and Giancarlo Astrua.
In 1956, Alex Close won the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré, a major French stage race regarded as one of the key preparatory events for the Tour de France. This victory was one of the major highlights of his career.
The item held in the collection is his remarkable yellow jersey as winner of the 1956 Dauphiné Libéré. The heritage value of this jersey is enhanced by Alex Close’s handwritten inscriptions directly on the garment. Notably, there is a dedication to the museum, as well as his name and a date. This personalisation establishes a direct link between the champion, the item and its journey to the collection. More than just a piece of sportswear, this yellow jersey is therefore an exceptional material testament to cycling in the 1950s and preserves the memory of one of the great victories of Alex Close’s career.
ITEM N° 072
CLOSE Alex (B)
(26.11.1920 – 21.10.2008)
His Tour of Belgium winner’s jersey – 1955
Alex Close, a Belgian cyclist, was one of the most consistent road racers of his generation. A professional during the 1940s and 1950s, he distinguished himself particularly in major stage races and achieved several remarkable results at the highest international level.
In 1955, Alex Close won the general classification of the Tour of Belgium, one of the major events on the Belgian cycling calendar. This victory was one of the major successes of his career and is a testament to his consistency and endurance.
The jersey presented here is associated with this victory in the 1955 Tour of Belgium. This vintage item holds particular heritage value. It also bears a handwritten inscription by Alex Close, reinforcing its personal character and its direct link to the champion.
More than just a piece of sportswear, this jersey is a genuine material testament to Belgian cycling in the 1950s, a period during which Belgium was counted amongst the leading nations in international cycling.
