The jerseys - 47
ITEM N° 388
MEYVISCH Hervé (B)
(04.03.1969)
His orange jersey as winner of the intermediate sprint classification at the 1993 Tour of the Valencian Community
Born on 4 March 1969 in Montignies-sur-Sambre, in Hainaut, Hervé Meyvisch belongs to that generation of Belgian cyclists who honed their skills in regional races before reaching the highest international level. Slim, elegant and aggressive, he distinguished himself in the junior categories, particularly on the roads of the Tour de la Province de Namur, where he won several stages. In 1990, he finished second in the general classification of that race, behind Sylvain Miel. (Results of the Tour de la Province de Namur)
Meyvisch turned professional in 1991 with the prestigious Italian team Carrera. He remained there for three seasons, racing alongside champions such as Claudio Chiappucci, Stephen Roche, Guido Bontempi, Rolf Sørensen, Andrea Tafi and, from 1992, the young Marco Pantani. In a squad boasting so many big names, he primarily fulfilled the role of a support rider. He was tasked with protecting his team leaders, supporting breakaways and working towards the team’s overall strategy, whilst making the most of the rare opportunities he was given to distinguish himself individually.
This item is an orange jersey awarded to the winner of the intermediate sprint classification at the 1993 Tour of the Valencian Community, presented to Hervé Meyvisch at the end of the race. The museum value of this item rests largely on its particularly well-documented personal provenance.
A handwritten dedication by Hervé Meyvisch appears on the white panel. Addressed to the Cycling Museum, it is accompanied by his name and signature. This inscription establishes a direct link between the rider, the garment and the collection that holds it. The accompanying photograph shows Hervé Meyvisch holding the jersey alongside the collector. The rider is also holding the trophy he won for the intermediate sprint classification. The image thus serves as a genuine historical record.
Displayed in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this jersey preserves the memory of the intermediate sprint classification won by Hervé Meyvisch at the 1993 Tour of the Valencian Community. It also pays tribute to a Belgian team-mate whose career, though brief, was memorable and characterised by a penchant for breakaways and attacking riding.
ITEM N° 544
MICHAUD Jacques (F)
(11.07.1951)
A lightweight jersey, known as a ‘silk’ jersey, from the ‘Flandria–Ça-va-seul’ team, worn during time trials in 1979
Born on 11 July 1951 in Haute-Savoie, Jacques Michaud belongs to that generation of French cyclists whose calibre is demonstrated as much by their victories as by their consistency, stamina and courage. An excellent road rider and a strong climber, he turned professional in 1979, aged 27, riding for the Belgian team Flandria–Ça-va-seul, managed by Jean de Gribaldy.
His first season at the highest level was an immediate success. Michaud won the general classification of the 1979 Étoile de Bessèges, ahead of the Italian Francesco Moser, then one of the world’s best riders. This victory revealed a well-rounded athlete, capable of holding his own on rugged courses and defending his position in the general classification.
That same year, he made his debut in the Tour de France and finished in fortieth place. Between 1979 and 1983, Jacques Michaud took part in five consecutive Tours and completed them all. He improved steadily, notably finishing eighteenth in the general classification in 1982, his best result in the race. The high point of his career came the following year, on the roads of the 1983 Tour de France. On 20 July 1983, Jacques Michaud set off on the eighteenth stage of the Tour, contested between Le Bourg-d’Oisans and Morzine. After nearly eight hours of racing, he won the stage, finishing 1 minute and 6 seconds ahead of Ángel Arroyo.
This item is a lightweight jersey from the Flandria–Ça-va-seul team, worn by Jacques Michaud during the time trials of the 1979 season. This jersey brings together a Tour de France stage winner, an iconic team from the late 1970s and a rare garment specifically designed for time trials.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this jersey preserves the memory of a tenacious and attacking French champion. Owing to its rarity, its handwritten provenance and its highly specialised function, it is a true museum piece, bringing together sporting history, textile innovation and the personal testimony of Jacques Michaud.
ITEM N° 545
MICHAUD Jacques (F)
(11.07.1951)
His green jersey as leader of the points classification at the 1981 Grand Prix du Midi Libre
Jacques Michaud was an all-round cyclist, excelling as a road racer, a climber and on mountainous routes. A professional from 1979 to 1984, he won the general classification of the Étoile de Bessèges in his very first season.
Jacques Michaud competed in five consecutive Tours de France between 1979 and 1983, finishing them all. His greatest achievement came in 1983, when he won the long Alpine stage between Le Bourg-d’Oisans and Morzine solo, having crossed several major mountain passes in the lead. This victory remains one of the defining moments of that Tour. He also finished second in the French National Championships that same year.
In 1981, riding for SEM–France Loire, Michaud put in an excellent performance in the Grand Prix du Midi Libre. Finishing third in two stages, he ultimately took third place in the general classification, behind Mariano Martínez and Jean-René Bernaudeau.
This item is a green jersey worn by Jacques Michaud whilst he was leading the points classification in the 1981 Grand Prix du Midi Libre. It is therefore a leader’s jersey worn during the race, though this does not necessarily mean that he won that classification at the final finish. A handwritten note accompanies the garment: ‘Points classification jersey worn at the 1981 Midi Libre. Jacques Michaud.’ This note establishes a direct link between the item, the rider and the race. It constitutes a particularly valuable piece of provenance, complementing the signed portrait of Jacques Michaud displayed alongside the jersey.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this green jersey preserves the memory of Jacques Michaud’s remarkable performance at the 1981 Grand Prix du Midi Libre. Its handwritten provenance and its association with a genuine French champion give it its full historical and museum value.
