The jerseys - 69
ITEM N° 284
SORGELOOS Edgard (B)
(14.12.1930 – 12.11.2016)
His ‘Solo–Superia’ jersey, worn in 1964
When Edgard Sorgeloos joined the Solo–Superia team in 1964, he already had more than twelve years’ experience as a professional. Born on 14 December 1930 in Denderhoutem, this sturdy Belgian rider had built a reputation as a loyal, resilient and invaluable team-mate in the toughest races.
At Solo–Superia, he was reunited with Rik Van Looy, for whom he became one of the key support riders. Alongside other team-mates entirely devoted to their leader, he was part of the famous ‘Red Guard’, a group renowned for its collective organisation and tactical mastery.
The 1964 season demonstrated, however, that Edgard Sorgeloos was not confined to the role of a team-mate. He won the Italian race Sassari–Cagliari as well as the Tour of Brabant, and also finished third in the general classification of Paris–Luxembourg. These results confirmed his qualities as an all-round rider, capable of protecting his leader, controlling a breakaway or seizing his own chance when race conditions were favourable.
The item on display is the red and black jersey of the Solo–Superia team worn by Edgard Sorgeloos during that remarkable 1964 season. The accompanying photograph shows Ward Sels, Rik Van Looy and Edgard Sorgeloos wearing the same colours.
The following year, Sorgeloos enjoyed one of the greatest successes of his career by winning a stage of the 1965 Tour de France between Caen and Saint-Brieuc. He continued his career with Solo–Superia until 1966, after fifteen seasons in the professional peloton.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this Solo–Superia jersey evokes both Edgard Sorgeloos’s personal successes and his vital role alongside Rik Van Looy. The rider’s initials and the period photograph make it a particularly representative artefact of the famous ‘Red Guard’ of Belgian cycling.
ITEM N° 285
SORGELOOS Edgard (B)
(14.12.1930 – 12.11.2016)
His ‘G.D. Faema’ jersey, worn in 1960
A discreet yet essential figure in post-war Belgian cycling, Edgard Sorgeloos was born on 14 December 1930 in Denderhoutem. A professional from 1951 to 1966, he built a long career based on consistency, stamina and a remarkable team spirit.
An excellent team-mate, he initially supported Rik Van Steenbergen before becoming one of Rik Van Looy’s most loyal lieutenants. He was then part of the famous ‘Red Guard’, the nickname given to the group of particularly dedicated riders who supported the Belgian champion in the major classics and stage races.
Edgard Sorgeloos also boasted a solid personal record. He won two stages of the Tour de Suisse and finished second in the overall classification of that race in 1957. He also won Sassari–Cagliari twice, a stage of Paris–Nice and several races held in Belgium.
The most prestigious moment of his career came during the 1965 Tour de France. At the age of 34, he won the fourth stage between Caen and Saint-Brieuc, securing a significant victory for the Solo–Superia team.
The item on display is a Faema team jersey worn by Edgard Sorgeloos during the 1960 season, and a handwritten dedication by the champion confirms its authenticity.
Beyond his victories, Edgard Sorgeloos remains representative of those highly valued team-mates whose efforts contributed significantly to the success of the team leaders. His stamina and tactical acumen enabled him to remain a professional for fifteen seasons.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this 1960 Faema jersey evokes a particularly prestigious period in Belgian cycling. The dedication and the photograph of the rider in action make it a personal testament to Edgard Sorgeloos’s long career and his role alongside the greatest champions of his era.
ITEM N° 400
SORGELOOS Edgard (B)
(14.12.1930 – 12.11.2016)
His 1965 Solo–Superia training kit
Over the course of fifteen professional seasons, Edgard Sorgeloos distinguished himself as much through his personal results as through his work supporting Belgium’s great champions. Born on 14 December 1930 in Denderhoutem, he made his professional debut in 1951 and continued his career until 1966.
A robust and experienced rider, he successively became the wingman for Rik Van Steenbergen and then for Rik Van Looy. Alongside the latter, he was part of the famous ‘Red Guard’, a group of team-mates renowned for their discipline and effectiveness in the classics.
Edgard Sorgeloos, however, had no shortage of opportunities to fight for his own chances. In particular, he won two stages of the Tour de Suisse, two editions of Sassari–Cagliari, a stage of Paris–Nice and several races on the Belgian calendar.
The 1965 season holds a special place in his career. Riding for Solo–Superia, he took part in the Tour de France and won the fourth stage, contested between Caen and Saint-Brieuc. This victory is the most prestigious achievement in his career.
The item on display is not a race jersey, but a training kit used by Edgard Sorgeloos in 1965. It serves as a reminder of the daily work carried out by cyclists outside of races: endurance rides, physical training and course reconnaissance.
The signed portrait of Edgard Sorgeloos establishes a direct link between the kit and its owner. The more recent photograph also bears witness to the meeting with the former cyclist and the personal handover of this kit to the collection.
Featured in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this Solo–Superia training set offers a rare insight into the daily life of a professional cyclist in 1965. Linked to Edgard Sorgeloos’s greatest victory, it preserves the memory of a particularly memorable season in his career.
