The jerseys - 78
ITEM N° 447
VANDERAERDEN Eric (B)
(11.02.1962)
His 1979 Limburg Junior Cyclo-cross Champion’s jersey
Born on 11 February 1962 in Herk-de-Stad, in the province of Limburg, Eric Vanderaerden is a former Belgian cyclist. Before becoming one of the finest classics specialists, he distinguished himself in the junior ranks, both on the road and in cyclo-cross.
In 1979, he enjoyed numerous successes at junior level. Notably, he finished tenth in the World Cyclo-cross Championships and fifth in the World Road Championships. The following year, he became the Belgian Junior Cyclo-cross Champion.
After turning professional in 1983, Eric Vanderaerden quickly won several stages of the Tour de France and wore the yellow jersey. Belgian road champion in 1984, he went on to win the Tour of Flanders and Ghent–Wevelgem in 1985, the points classification of the Tour de France in 1986, and then Paris–Roubaix in 1987.
The item on display is the Limburg junior cyclo-cross champion’s jersey won by Eric Vanderaerden in 1979. It bears witness to the early sporting years of a rider who demonstrated his power, skill and endurance from a very young age. The photograph accompanying the item shows Eric Vanderaerden wearing this very same jersey at the awards ceremony. The cut, colours and visible inscriptions match those of the garment held in the collection.
This jersey also highlights the importance of cyclo-cross in Eric Vanderaerden’s development as a cyclist. This discipline honed the technical and physical qualities that would later enable him to excel in the most gruelling classics, notably the 1985 Tour of Flanders, contested in torrential rain.
Displayed in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this jersey is a rare artefact from Eric Vanderaerden’s early career. Accompanied by the photograph of the trophy presentation, it offers a glimpse into the early stages of the career of a future Belgian champion and winner of two Monuments.
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ITEM N° 486
VANDI Alfio (I)
(07.12.1955)
His “Isoglass” cycling jersey, worn in 1988
Born on 7 December 1955 in Sant’Ermete, near Santarcangelo di Romagna, Alfio Vandi is a former Italian cyclist. A strong climber and consistent rider, he excelled particularly in stage races and on hilly routes.
He turned professional in 1976 with the Magniflex–Torpado team and, in his very first season, finished seventh in the Giro d’Italia. On that occasion, he won the very first Best Young Rider classification in the history of the Giro and was awarded the white jersey. In 1977, he won a stage of the Tirreno–Adriatico and finished fourth in the Giro d’Italia, the best result of his career in a Grand Tour. His list of victories also includes the Tour of Veneto, Milan–Turin, the Tour of the Province of Reggio Calabria and the Coppa Placci.
Alfio Vandi competed in twelve editions of the Giro d’Italia and finished ten of them. After his early seasons as a team leader, he gradually put his experience and climbing skills at the service of his team-mates.
In 1988, for his final professional season, he joined the Isoglass–EVS–Robland team. He competed in the Giro d’Italia one last time, finishing in 31st place, before bringing his career to an end. Alfio Vandi subsequently remained involved in cycling, becoming sports director of the Ariostea team in the early 1990s. In this role, he put his experience to use in supporting a new generation of riders.
The item on display is a cycling jersey worn by Alfio Vandi whilst riding for the Isoglass team in 1988.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this jersey serves as a memento of Alfio Vandi’s final professional season. Its colours and numerous sponsors make it a representative artefact of Italian cycling in the late 1980s.
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ITEM N° 644
VANSEVENANT Mauri (B)
(01.06.1999)
The jersey he wore during the 2024 Tour of Lombardy
Born on 1 June 1999 in Ostend, West Flanders, Mauri Vansevenant is a Belgian cyclist who specialises in hilly and mountainous routes. The son of former professional Wim Vansevenant, he stands out for his attacking style and his particularly expressive way of pedalling.
Winner of the 2019 Tour of the Aosta Valley, he turned professional in July 2020 with the Deceuninck–Quick-Step team. He claimed his first professional victory in 2021 at the Larciano Grand Prix dell’Industria e dell’Artigianato. He then won a stage at the summit of the Montagne Verte in the 2023 Tour of Oman. In 2024, he finished fourth in the Amstel Gold Race and sixth in Liège–Bastogne–Liège, confirming his prowess in hilly classics. In September 2024, Mauri Vansevenant won the queen stage of the Tour of Luxembourg following a solo breakaway. He finished fourth overall, just 19 seconds behind the winner, Antonio Tiberi.
On 12 October, he lined up at the start of the Tour of Lombardy riding for Soudal Quick-Step. Covering 255 kilometres between Bergamo and Como, this major Italian classic was won by Tadej Pogačar. Mauri Vansevenant crossed the finish line in 56th place.
The item on display is the jersey worn by Mauri Vansevenant during this edition of the Tour of Lombardy. This item does not commemorate a victory, but rather Mauri Vansevenant’s participation in one of cycling’s five Monuments. It bears witness to the efforts made during a particularly long and demanding race, held at the end of the European season.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this jersey preserves the memory of Mauri Vansevenant’s ride on the roads of the 2024 Tour of Lombardy. His signature, his race number and the accompanying photographs link it directly to that edition.
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