Alpecin-Fenix, the team of Raymond Poulidor’s grandson Mathieu van der Poel, decided to honor ‘Poupou’ with a special retro outfit during the team presentation of the Tour de France.
Van der Poel, Petr Vakoc, Tim Merlier, Kristian Sbaragli, Xandro Meurisse, Silvan Dillier, Jasper Philipsen and Jonas Rickaert could be admired during the presentation in Brest in a predominantly purple uniform with gold sleeves. A reference to the famous Miko-Mercier jersey from the 70’s, the team that is inextricably linked with Poulidor.
“My grandfather recognized my joy of cycling early on and he always said that me and David were more talented than he was. Today I wish he could be there and experience this moment together with our family,” Van der Poel said.
“He dreamed of this for a long time, but I am sure he is proud as he always was. I am feeling delighted that we can pay an ultimate tribute to him in such an exciting way and that we will be able to say all together ‘Merci Poupou’.”
For lovers of retro outfits the jersey will be for sale online. However, the team will be racing in their standard navy colours when the Tour gets underway on Saturday.
