Photo courtesy Ray Smith Photography
Cycling is a sport steeped in the tradition of style. There’s no denying it. From the days of miners and farmers escaping the hardships of a life spent toiling in harsh and filthy conditions either under or above ground, through Coppi and his Cosa Nostra-esque garb and swagger, Merckx and De Vlaeminck’s 70s sideburns, to Cipo and his many hits and misses both on and off the bike, there have always been riders who just look the part. I don’t hesitate to add David Millar’s name to that list as a modern day doyen of cycling style.
While we’re all wrapped up in farewells and handing out plaudits, let’s not forget that the curtain is about to be lowered on the long and storied, some may say sullied, career of this polarising British rider. Yes, we all know what he did. We have either accepted it and re-accepted him, or possibly still hold him in contempt. To me, he was always a classy Pro with a fluid riding style, a constant time trial threat, a worthy wearer of the Maillot Jaune and Maglia Rosa, a multiple stage winner in all three Grand Tours. Nothing more, nothing less. Not a fan, more an observer and moderate admirer.
Off the bike, however, Millar’s style is something I’m definitely a fan of. Maybe it’s because of his inherent Britishness that enables him to pull off the array of casual, smart, almost foppish looks which he does so well. Crisp collared shirts, tailored suits, pastel polos, smart shoes, just the right balance between ostentatious and sensible accessories. In the peloton, you could usually rely on him to be largely Rule compliant (and even if he wasn’t, he’d somehow manage to get a pass with ease). Being a tall and thin guy myself, his dress sense and attention to detail is not the worst template to work from. Especially as I’ll never pedal a bike as well as he did.
I think cycling has always had a tradition of being a bit dapper, especially back in the day. Fausto Coppi, Jacques Anquetil and that older generation were renowned for being suave and sophisticated gentlemen off the bike–that’s something I was enchanted by. They always looked so cool. Cycling is based so much on form, on aesthetics, on class–the way you carry yourself on the bike, the sort of technique you have.
David Millar via
Chapeau Mr Millar.
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View Comments
@Pedale.Forchetta
I am with you, my friend. Nothing makes you feel better about yourself and more ready to face the world than being well-dressed whether on or off the bike.
The same principles apply; brutal meeting with the CEO? You better know I'm reaching for my best clothes - Gucci, Dolce, Paul Smith, Margiela...that shit will make you feel like you can take on the world properly.
I can't understand people who go to work in a t-shirt (even in the PNW) - nothing reminds me to be a professional more than ironing my clothes and glancing at myself as I step out the door and know I Look Fantastic.
Not to say you can't Look Fantastic in jeans and a t-shirt, but you get my drift.
By the way, a $2000 suit will not make you Look Fantastic without being appropriately tailored and the appropriate shoes, tie, shirt, etc. On the other hand, an inexpensive suit that has been adjusted by a good tailor will still make you look the part.
@Barracuda
This is a fact. Not opinion, not a postulate, not a theory. A fact.
@frank
THIS! Our work recently relaxed the dress standards for back office staff, meaning that back office men could wear pants & a shirt sans tie...you think that means I'm not suiting up most days of the week? We sit one floor below the execs, there's no way I'm running the risk of the visiting CEO walking down the stairs as I'm prepping lunch in some shoddy kit.
Shoes and accessories are another thing that are truly underestimated. These boots were about $400 but have been going for the better part of a decade & are still my go to for a navy or grey suit.
@Harminator Is that outfit UCI approved for competition?
@Chris ahah! A beautiful misunderstanding! Too late I understoodwhat you meant, but that say a lot of me, it looks like I consider myself more a cyclist than a photographer...
What about Millar's farewell, fundraiser shoes? I found most of those to be quite ugly.
I love style, on and off the bike. Even starting a new job soon, so I'll have extra incentive to dress nicely and maybe pick up a few new threads too. Oh, and a rule I follow - save some money on the clothes or suit and put it into extra classy shoes. Shoes make the outfit.
However, I do have to add this - with the explosion of sartorial gaucheness in the U.S. that I see (neon green or pink "eyeglasses" without lenses, or without prescription lenses, faux'hawks on men and women, stupid facial hair, extravagant shirts and vests and rolled up denim with workmen boots...) I fear that in wearing classy things that I like, I might be seen as part of this BS bandwagon.
I very much don't give a fuck what people think of me, but I feel like the hipster-turned-dandies have polluted the pool for us classy, sharp dressers. I'll have to let this wave pass.
Ok, I think I should clarify my original post. The gist of it was that I don't blink on spending daft sums on bike gear, but do blink when buying off-the-bike gear. It also never goes unremarked at the office when I wear jeans (on rare days I have messy stuff to do, like yesterday) but when I'm suited or sport coat and tie-d) it goes unremarked as that's my standard mode. I totally agree, it's always better to overdress than underdress in anything.
I'm also a sticker for ironing my shirts. "wrinkle-free" is a lie.
It says a lot about Millar's stylishness that he can make POC gear look good.
"I was told by my father along time ago, in jest I assume, that if you cant play the game at the highest level, at least look like you can." says Barracuda. Sounds like your Dad was an early adopter of the Velominati code.
I dress well for work, it goes a long way I believe. As far as the bike, I do my best. I only have two styles to choose from, both are designed to look fantastic. As far as me making them look more fantastic, I'm going with the 'fake it til you make it' theory.
When it comes to on or off bike style, I think one of the biggest factors is your comfort level with what you're wearing. I know we bang on about "Casually Deliberate" a lot, but it's a huge factor in how what you wear is interpreted by others.
If you're not projecting comfort/confidence in your sartorial choices, no one else is gonna believe you look good.
Mr Miller and his classy mate. Good read.