The jerseys - 81
ITEM N° 327
WAGTMANS Rini (NL)
(26.12.1946)
His "combined" leader’s jersey worn during the 1970 Tour de France
Born on 26 December 1946 in Saint-Willebrord, in the Netherlands, Marinus, known as ‘Rini’, Wagtmans was a Dutch cyclist renowned for his attacking style and his skills as a descender. He turned professional in 1968.
As early as 1969, he finished third in the Vuelta a España and sixth in the Tour de France. The following year, he confirmed his aptitude for major stage races by winning two stages of the Vuelta. The 1970 Tour de France marked one of the high points of his career. Riding for Willem II–Gazelle, he won the fifteenth stage between Carpentras and Montpellier and finished fifth in the general classification, sixth in the points classification and twelfth in the mountains classification.
These results secured him a leading position in the ‘combined’ classification, which recognises the most well-rounded riders by adding up their positions in the main classifications. During the race, Wagtmans wore the distinctive jersey shown here and ultimately finished third in this classification, which was won by Eddy Merckx.
He went on to win two more stages of the Tour de France, in 1971 and 1972. In 1971, he also wore the yellow jersey for one day. Forced to retire from cycling prematurely due to heart problems, he ended his career in 1973, aged just twenty-six.
The item on display is the combined classification jersey worn by Rini Wagtmans during the 1970 Tour de France. The photographs accompanying the jersey show Rini Wagtmans racing as well as at various stages of his life.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this jersey commemorates Rini Wagtmans’ fifth place in the 1970 Tour de France and his time as one of the leading contenders in the general classification.
ITEM N° 443
WAGTMANS Rini (NL)
(26.12.1946)
His leader’s jersey from the 1966 Namur Province Amateur Tour
Born on 26 December 1946 in Saint-Willebrord, in the Netherlands, Marinus, known as ‘Rini’, Wagtmans showed himself to be an all-round rider from an early age, particularly at ease in stage races and on descents.
In 1966, whilst still an amateur, he won the Tour of Central Zeeland as well as the tenth stage of the Tour de l’Avenir. Riding for the Dutch national team, he also finished as runner-up in the 100-kilometre team time trial world championship.
That same season, Rini Wagtmans took part in the Tour de la Province de Namur, a major international event reserved for amateurs. He won the first stage at Floreffe and thus took the lead in the general classification.
He remained among the leaders throughout the race and eventually finished third in the general classification, behind his compatriots Evert Dolman and Harry Steevens. He would go on to finish third in this race again in 1967.
After winning the Tour of Austria (amateurs) in 1967, Wagtmans turned professional in 1968. He went on to win three stages of the Tour de France and two stages of the Vuelta a España, whilst finishing fifth in the 1970 Tour.
The item on display is the leader’s jersey worn by Rini Wagtmans during the 1966 Tour of the Province of Namur. It is directly linked to his victory in the first stage and his rise to the top of the general classification.
This jersey dates from Rini Wagtmans’ formative years. It serves as a reminder that, before his victories in the Grand Tours and his time in the yellow jersey, the young Dutchman had already made his mark on the Belgian roads.
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this jersey preserves the memory of the stage victory and Rini Wagtmans’ time at the top of the 1966 Tour de la Province de Namur for amateurs.
ITEM N° 408
WAUTERS Marc (B)
(23.02.1969)
The jersey he wore at the 2004 World Time Trial Championships in Verona
Born on 23 February 1969 in Hasselt, in Belgian Limburg, Marc Wauters is a former professional cyclist who specialised in time trials. A solid rider and a valuable team-mate, he was nicknamed ‘The Soldier’ because of his courage and dedication.
A professional from 1991 to 2006, he enjoyed his best season in 1999. That year, he won Paris–Tours, the Tour of Luxembourg, the Tour of Rhineland-Palatinate and the Tour of Britain, amongst other races.
On 9 July 2001, Marc Wauters won the second stage of the Tour de France between Calais and Antwerp. This victory enabled him to don the yellow jersey and ride through his home region at the top of the general classification the following day.
A specialist in solo efforts, he became Belgian time trial champion in 2002, 2003 and 2005. He also took part in thirteen Tours de France and represented Belgium at the Olympic Games in Sydney and Athens.
On 29 September 2004, Marc Wauters competed in the World Time Trial Championships in Verona. Over a course of approximately 47 kilometres, he finished in an excellent seventh place, 1 minute and 56 seconds behind the Australian winner, Michael Rogers.
The item on display is the cycling jersey worn by Marc Wauters during the 2004 World Championships. A handwritten dedication by Marc Wauters can be seen on the chest. It is accompanied by his signature and the word ‘Soldaat’, recalling the nickname he was given during his career. The accompanying photograph shows Wauters in his characteristic time trial position,
On display in the Virtual Cycling Museum – Noël GREGOIRE Collections, this signed jersey commemorates Marc Wauters’ seventh place at the 2004 World Time Trial Championships and bears witness to his status as one of the finest time trialists of his generation.
