With the “widely anticipated” unveiling of both Leopard-Trek’s and Garmin-Cervelo’s new kits we thought it would be interesting to look back into the archives to see how it used to be done. Nowadays, the new team and kit presentations are done with much fanfare, limousines, black-tie events, and sometimes even strippers. But back in the day (at least in the early 90’s) it was a much more simple affair.
Looking at this photo it’s not hard to imagine the Banesto squad prepping outside on the Banesto bank steps in Madrid or some such place while the bank’s board of dignitaries waits inside in the conference room to see the product of their investments. But this photo leaves the viewer with these questions. Is the team fixing to mess with the board by hiking up their bibs, pulling down their leg warmers, and wearing their sunnies underneath helmet straps? Are they initiating new riders to The Rules by visually demonstrating crisp tanlines and the faux pas of short socks? Or maybe they’re waiting for Big Mig to show up and dress them properly. These are the questions a Velominatus asks.
(disclaimer: after vigorous “research” it was determined that it is not known whether this picture was taken at a pre-season team meeting or even in Spain for that matter)
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it hauntingly resembles an International Male photo shoot.
Their bibs are rolled up because the soigneur is applying embrocation to their knees.
also noted the possible unveiling of new saddles?
but this is an unsettling photo for two reasons:
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Sometimes I'm amazed at the Keepers' deep knowledge and understanding of every aspect of cycling mechanics, culture, and history.
And then there are the other times...
How come the soigneurs' unis don't match the team kit?
Um, I wouldn't know...
I'm trying to decide if the guy at the back is violating an as-yet undocumented Rule against flipping the visor up on your cap if you're wearing a helmet or hairnet.
Obviously The Rules don't apply while getting your pre-race hummer, but aside from Gilbert pulling the look off very well, generally speaking, it is a disastrous look.
Also, what's with the sandwich bags over the saddles?
After further investigation, the evidence seems conclusive:
Very Pro, very awesome:
Jury is out on this one; the only thing making this picture cool is the loads of The V being piled on.
Compare that to this, where not even a shattered knee is keeping Museeuw from looking totally rad.
Finally, due to generous helpings of Rule 5 and Rule 9, this looks badass.
My conclusion is that the upturned visor is bad; it can be offset somewhat by the application of other Rules, but it definitely doesn't help.
It's clearly taken prior to an early season race, as the bikes have numbers on. As Reverend Dick says, the shorts are rolled up for the application of embrocation. The plastic bags on the saddles are to prevent them getting soggy before the rider has even sat on them.
The beauty of the cycling cap is that, unlike a peaked helmet, the peak can be flipped out of the way if conditions change - it might look more goofy flipped up but winning races probably makes up for the shame.
In this era it was usually in the early season races where we'd catch our first glimpse of the latest team strips. They weren't really ever "launched" as such...