The jerseys - 15
ITEM N° 598
CLOSE Alex (B)
(26.11.1921 – 21.10.2008)
His Belgian national team jersey worn at the 1952 Tour of Argentina
Alex Close was one of the leading Belgian cyclists of the post-war era. A professional during the 1940s and 1950s, he distinguished himself through his skills as a road racer and his consistency in stage races, during a particularly golden age for Belgian cycling.
In 1952, Alex Close took part in the Tour of Argentina representing the Belgian national team. Belgium was brilliantly represented there: Rik Van Steenbergen won the race ahead of Stan Ockers, whilst Alex Close took part in this South American adventure alongside his prestigious compatriots.
The jersey presented here is the Belgian national team jersey worn by Alex Close during the 1952 Tour of Argentina. The item holds additional heritage value thanks to the handwritten inscription ‘Argentina 1952 – Alex Close’ affixed directly to the jersey. This inscription allows the garment to be personally linked to the rider and to the race in which it was worn.
The historical photograph accompanying the item places this jersey in its sporting context and bears witness to the Belgian presence in Argentina, notably featuring Stan Ockers, Rik Van Steenbergen and Alex Close.
Preserved for several decades after the race, this jersey now stands as a precious physical testament to international cycling in the 1950s and recalls an era when European champions were already travelling the world to represent their countries.
ITEM N° 500
CONTI Tino (I)
(26.09.1945 – 10.06.2026)
His King of the Mountains jersey – 1974 Tour de Suisse
Tino Conti, an Italian cyclist, was one of the stalwarts of Italian cycling in the 1970s. An excellent climber and a particularly consistent rider, he distinguished himself in both major stage races and one-day events.
A professional from 1969 to 1978, he achieved numerous podium finishes throughout his career. Notably, he took a place on the podium at the 1976 Road World Championships, winning the bronze medal behind Freddy Maertens and Francesco Moser.
In 1974, Tino Conti took part in the Tour de Suisse, where his climbing skills enabled him to excel in the King of the Mountains classification. The jersey presented here is precisely the leader’s jersey for the King of the Mountains classification worn during that edition. The historical significance of this jersey is enhanced by the handwritten document signed by Tino Conti, dated 20 June 2016 in Nibionno, in which the Italian champion identifies the item as the King of the Mountains jersey from the 1974 Tour de Suisse and bequeaths it to Noël Grégoire’s collection.
This document thus establishes a particularly valuable direct provenance and accompanies a garment representative of an era when the distinctive jerseys of major races were already true symbols of sporting achievement.
Preserved alongside this personal certificate, this jersey now stands as a remarkable testament to Italian and European cycling in the 1970s, as well as a memento directly linked to Tino Conti’s career.
ITEM N° 076
CONTINI Silvano (I)
Né le 15 janvier 1958
His 1981 Tour of Germany winner’s jersey
A leading Italian cyclist at the turn of the 1970s and 1980s, Silvano Contini excelled in both stage races and the major classics. A professional from 1978 to 1990, he stood out for his consistency, his skills as a road racer and his ability to triumph on demanding courses.
Highlights of his career include his victory at Liège–Bastogne–Liège in 1982, as well as several stage wins at the Giro d’Italia, a race in which he also achieved excellent overall classifications.
In 1981, Silvano Contini won the general classification of the Tour of Germany (Deutschland Tour). The yellow jersey presented here is a remarkable memento of that victory. This item also features an important heritage detail: a handwritten dedication and the signature of Silvano Contini, which reinforce its personal character and authenticity within the collection.
The period photograph accompanying the item depicts the race’s final podium: Silvano Contini, winner of the 1981 Tour of Germany, is pictured alongside the Swiss rider Daniel Gisiger, winner of the King of the Mountains classification, and the German rider Gregor Braun, winner of the points classification.
Beyond being a piece of sportswear, this jersey is a tangible testament to an international victory for Italian cycling in the early 1980s. Its provenance, its dedication and its direct association with Silvano Contini lend it genuine historical and documentary value.
