The jerseys - 22
ITEM N° 598
DESBIENS Laurent (F)
(16.09.1969)
His “Kelme–Costa Blanca” jersey, worn in 2001
Originally from Mons-en-Barœul, in the Nord department, Laurent Desbiens had a professional career from 1992 to 2001. An attacking and resilient rider, he excelled in breakaways and stage races.
Notable victories include Cholet–Pays de Loire in 1992, the Four Days of Dunkirk in 1993, the Tour de Vendée in 1996 and À travers le Morbihan in 1998. His list of achievements also includes several stage wins in major races on the French calendar.
Laurent Desbiens competed in seven Tours de France. He won the stage from Andorra to Perpignan in 1997 and wore the yellow jersey for two days in 1998.
This item is a sleeveless jersey from the Kelme–Costa Blanca team worn by Laurent Desbiens during the 2001 season. This jersey brings together several aspects of cycling history: a former wearer of the yellow jersey, an iconic Spanish team and Laurent Desbiens’ final professional season.
Featured in the Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this jersey is a valuable memento of the 2001 season and the final months of Laurent Desbiens’ career.
ITEM N° 359
DHAENENS Rudy (B) (10.04.1961 – 06.04.1998)
His PDM World Champion’s jersey, worn in 1990
Rudy Dhaenens was one of the great Belgian classics specialists of his generation. A professional from 1983 to 1992, he was admired for his stamina, his tactical acumen and his ability to excel on demanding courses. He achieved several notable results in Paris–Roubaix, finishing fifth in 1985, second behind Sean Kelly in 1986 and third in 1987. He also won a stage of the 1986 Tour de France.
The 1990 season marked the peak of his career. Finishing second in the Tour of Flanders, fourth in Liège–Bastogne–Liège and ninth in Paris–Roubaix, Rudy Dhaenens most notably became world road champion in Utsunomiya, Japan.
Forced to end his career in 1992 due to heart problems, he died tragically on 6 April 1998 following a road accident.
This item is a rainbow World Champion’s jersey in the colours of the PDM team, worn by Rudy Dhaenens after his 1990 world title.
The photograph of the jersey being presented at Rudy Dhaenens’s home establishes a direct link between the item on display and its former owner. The presence of the frame plaque bearing the number 15 completes this set and serves as a reminder of the equipment associated with his victory in Japan. Beyond its sporting value, this jersey preserves the memory of a cyclist renowned for his modesty and team spirit, who passed away prematurely just a few days before his thirty-seventh birthday.
Featured in the Noël GREGOIRE Collections, it thus stands as a remarkable testament to the 1990 World Championships and the greatest success of Rudy Dhaenens’ career.
ITEM N° 455
DIEDERICH Bim (L
(20.02.1922 – 06.12.2012)
His Garin–Wolber jersey, worn from 1950 to 1952
Jean ‘Bim’ Diederich is one of the leading figures in post-war Luxembourg cycling. A professional from 1946 to 1954, he won the 1949 Tour de Luxembourg and three stages of the Tour de France, in 1950, 1951 and 1952.
Winner in Ghent in 1951 after distinguishing himself on the Mur van Grammont, he wore the yellow jersey for three days. This performance earned him the nickname ‘Duke of Grammont’.
This Garin–Wolber jersey, worn by Bim Diederich between 1950 and 1952, dates from the most prestigious period of his career.
This item commemorates Bim Diederich’s three stage victories in the Tour de France, as well as his time at the top of the general classification in 1951.
Accompanied by photographs of the champion, this jersey is a valuable testament to post-war cycling in Luxembourg. On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, it preserves the memory of one of the finest Luxembourgish riders of his era.
