Friday File: Classic Vintage Stripes & Classic Road Warrior

Towards a winning tradition?

We're beginning to see some new team kits. Disappointing that some kits are blatantly sporting white shorts - On the other hand, the new MTN Qhubeka kit looks to have grabbed part of their design from the past. I see the Juventus & Newcastle United  parallel...

But, I favor more of a historical cycling parallel...

Carpano, 1959.

I'm enjoying the book, 'The Racing Bicycle,' and iconic, Colnago is well represented. One of my ultimate road warriors, of all time, is the late Franco Ballerini. Two time champion of Paris Roubaix, he rode viciously well and won aboard the Colnago C40 in 1998. He broke away with 70kms remaining and no one was able to match his masterclass ride over les pave. Ernesto Colnago still keeps the Classic star's C40 in his factory, complete with the endearing mud.

Ballerini's Classic C40: Unique straight folks. Full carbon set up. Long rear end for additional clearance for mud. Shimano Dura Ace 9-speed components.

The star's Colnago C40...

The Star.