The jerseys - 16
ITEM N° 078
COPPI Fausto (I)
(15.09.1919 – 02.01.1960)
‘Bianchi’ jersey worn by the ‘Campionissimo’ in 1953
A legendary figure in the history of cycling, Fausto Coppi remains one of the greatest champions of the 20th century. Nicknamed ‘Il Campionissimo’, the ‘champion of champions’, the Italian left an indelible mark on his era through his elegance, his exceptional skills as a climber and all-round rider, and his achievements in the greatest international races.
A five-time winner of the Giro d’Italia, in 1940, 1947, 1949, 1952 and 1953, Coppi also won two Tours de France, in 1949 and 1952. In 1949, he became the first rider in history to win both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France in the same year. He repeated this feat in 1952.
His list of victories also includes prestigious classics, amongst which are Milan–San Remo, the Tour of Lombardy and Paris–Roubaix. In 1953, a particularly symbolic year for the item presented here, Fausto Coppi won his fifth Giro before becoming, in Lugano, the professional road world champion.
The jersey featured in the collection is a remarkable Bianchi jersey worn by Fausto Coppi. The photograph accompanying the item is of particular significance: it shows Piero Coppi presenting the jersey worn by his cousin Fausto, thereby lending this object an exceptional sense of family history and remembrance. Far more than just a piece of sportswear, this jersey is a tangible artefact directly linked to one of the greatest legends in world cycling.
Its connection to Fausto Coppi, its place within Bianchi’s historical legacy and the circumstances of its passing down make it a key item in the collection.
ITEM N° 079
CRIQUIELION Claude (B)
(11.01.1957 – 18.02.2015)
His World Champion’s jersey from the 1985 time trial
An iconic Belgian champion of the 1980s, Claude Criquielion – affectionately known as ‘Claudy’ – was one of the great specialists in the classics and hilly races of his generation.
His career reached its peak in 1984, when he became Road World Champion in Barcelona. This victory earned him the privilege of wearing the prestigious rainbow jersey – the universal symbol of the reigning world champion – throughout the following season.
His list of achievements also includes numerous prestigious victories, notably the Tour of Flanders, the Flèche Wallonne and the Clásica de San Sebastián, as well as many podium finishes in the major European classics.
The item on display is a remarkable World Champion’s jersey worn by Claude Criquielion in 1985 during the time trial events. The item is accompanied by documents and personal mementoes, including an autograph from Claude Criquielion. The display also recalls his visit with his family to the Cycling Museum in September 1997, lending this collection a human dimension that goes far beyond that of a mere sporting artefact.
Far more than just a piece of competition kit, this jersey is a tangible testament directly associated with one of the greatest Belgian champions of his generation.
Its personal connection to Claude Criquielion, the rainbow colours earned through his 1984 world title, his autograph and the memories of his visit to the museum make it a key piece in the collection.
It keeps alive the memory of a champion deeply linked to the history of Belgian cycling and serves as a reminder of what it means, for any professional cyclist, to have the exceptional privilege of wearing the colours of a World Champion.
ITEM N° 080
CRIQUIELION Claude (B)
(11.01.1957 – 18.02.2015)
His 1986 “Midi-Libre” points classification winner’s jersey
Born on 11 January 1957 in Lessines, in Hainaut, Claude Criquielion – affectionately known as Claudy – was one of the finest Belgian cyclists of the 1980s.
A professional from 1979 to 1991, he stood out for his versatility. Excellent on undulating routes, he excelled in the classics, but also possessed the qualities needed to achieve very good placings in stage races.
He became road world champion in 1984 in Barcelona, following a remarkable solo breakaway. He went on to win the Flèche Wallonne in 1985 and 1989, the Tour of Flanders in 1987 and the San Sebastián Classic in 1983.
Criquielion also achieved numerous results in the Grand Tours. He finished third in the 1980 Vuelta a España and finished in the top ten of the Tour de France on five occasions. His best performance in the Tour de France was a fifth-place finish in 1986.
In 1990, he became Belgian road champion. After his racing career, he remained active in cycling as a sports director and, in particular, supported his son Mathieu’s professional debut.
Claude Criquielion died on 18 February 2015, aged 58, following a stroke.
This jersey is a direct reminder of Claude Criquielion’s victory in the 1986 Grand Prix du Midi Libre, one of the major successes he achieved in a stage race during his career. The photograph showing Criquielion racing in the green jersey reinforces its significance. The family document displayed alongside it also commemorates Claudy Criquielion and his family’s visit to the Cycling Museum on 20 September 1997.
Featured in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this jersey is a valuable tribute to Claude ‘Claudy’ Criquielion, world champion, Belgian champion and two-time winner of the Grand Prix du Midi Libre.
