You may be new to the cycling world and currently looking for a new jersey to wear. While searching, your friends and colleagues mentioned La Vie Claire Jersey to you.
Even if you’re not aware of the name, at the very least you sure are familiar with the grey, white, and yellow Jersey. The color scheme dominated the cycling world in the later 1980s. Based on a poll by cyclingnews.com in 2008, the jersey is still memorable to most cycling fans.
What is La Vie Claire
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La Vie Claire is the name of a health products store chain in France. The company has hundreds of stores all over the country. However, they are more popular as the sponsor of the strongest cycling team in the 1980s.
Even though the team disbanded in the 1990s, their domination by winning Tour de France team trophy back to back in 1985 and 1986 gave them the elite status. In addition to having five-times Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault and three-times winner Greg LeMond, the team gained even further popularity among enthusiasts and professionals.
Unfortunately, they are also popular because of some of the scandals by the then-owner, Bernard Tapie. And later on, the in-team rivalry between Hinault and LeMond caused quite an uproar at that time.
What makes the jersey special
The La Vie Claire jersey is special for so many reasons. Firstly, it’s based on a painting by Piet Mondrian. The unique color scheme makes them stand out even more among other teams in the starting group.
And since Benetton designed the original jersey, the color scheme was almost synonymous with the brand during the period. During their active time, the jersey has several changes to match the sponsor for the moment. However, the initial design of color squares in the torso and solid colors for the sleeves remain until when the team disbanded in 1991.
Where to get one?
There are many methods for you to get a La Vie Claire jersey. But if you’re already browsing for the kits at the Montella Cycling’s website, you are one step closer to getting the legendary jersey.
You can get your kit at Montella-cycling.com for your team at no additional cost. And since the website holds a large selection of designs, you may want to check out most of them. You also can get a complete kit including the bib.
Montella provides jerseys in all sizes, so you don’t have to worry about being unable to obtain them. Another thing to keep in mind is that Montella makes the jersey to order. Therefore, you will have to wait for a little while. But it will be worth the wait.
Given the team’s history, it’s understandable why many people still consider the La Vie Claire Jersey a classic. Even though Hinault only has one Tour de France title with La Vie Claire, the team itself introduced several breakthroughs. Clipless pedals and salary structure for the cyclist are just to name a few. The short-lived team remained in history through their jerseys.
