As part of the series on the 1980s, here are five items related to Italian cycling. 1. Insularity Italy enjoyed a vibrant cycling scene in the 1980s but it was often confined to the Italian peninsula, teams did not venture abroad as much as they do today. A lot of strong Italian riders therefore didn’t … Read more
The third part in the series of cycling in the 1980s, I’m going to nominate five French champions. With the exception of Laurent Jalabert, the French have never had a world class rider since this period. 1. Bernard Hinault. The five time tour winner remains in the sport as ASO’s podium man but forget his … Read more
The 1980s were a decade of transition for cycling. The classic form of the sport slowly moved into the modern era of technology, fashion and science. This is the second part of a recurring flashback to this decade. This time, it’s five races that no longer exist. 1. Grand Prix des AmériquesPro racing hit North … Read more
I’m going to run a recurring series of things that marked cycling in the 1980s. Here’s five things to mark this decade of transition where the classic form of the sport slowly moved into the modern era of technology, fashion and science. 1. Headbands Once reserved for tennis players, these became a fashion breakout in … Read more