Rapha debuts limited edition country collection honouring 1970 Belgian World Champion
Rapha is tipping its proverbial Special Edition Cap to fifty years of tradition with the launch of its new Limited Edition Country collection.
Made with the same RPM150 merino wool as their Classic Jersey, Rapha’s new collection is centered around the Belgian Special Edition Country Jersey (US$190) and Classic Country Jersey (US$165), which is available in UK, Holland, Italy, and Denmark nationalities. Both have a familiar, relaxed fit from a bygone era.
So where are the rest of the countries?
Fifty year ago, in 1970, at the UCI Road World Championships in Leicester, United Kingdom, the battle for the world strips came down to four riders: Jean-Pierre Monseré of Belgium, Leif Mortensen of Denmark (silver), Felice Gimondi of Italy (bronze), and Les West of Great Britain (finished fourth).
Felice Gimondi of Italy – Cor Vos ©
Monseré was the second-youngest World Champion at 21, and tragically passed away in 1971 after being hit by a car. The Special Edition and Classic Country Jerseys pay homage to the four riders battling it out at the 1970 World Championships, as well as Harm Ottenbros from Holland who had been the 1969 World Champion.
The Special Edition Belgian Jersey uses a light blue colour inspired by French bicycle manufacturer Alcyon and the traditional tricolore from the Lion of Flanders. Unlike the full-zip Classic Country Jerseys, this one uses a more traditional quarter-zip, and Celebratory Monseré embroidery.
In addition to the new Country Jerseys, Rapha has also included a classic Special Edition Cap, honouring the youngest Belgian world champion’s hometown of Roselare. It will set you back US$40.
The collection is available on Rapha now.
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