Rik Van Looy’s Six-Day Bike
From issue 12 • Words/images by Brett Horton/Horton Collection
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This is the bike Rik Van Looy was riding when he won his first pro six-day race. The bike is badged with his sponsor Guerra, however, it’s highly unlikely it is a Guerra. For starters, it is fillet-brazed, and to make it look like a stock bike, lugs were painted on the frame.
After several years of trying, I was fortunate to acquire the Van Looy bike from the owner of Plume Vainqueur in Ghent, Belgium. This venerable old shop is arguably the most historic racing shop in Flanders. Located just a short distance from the velodrome in Ghent, the shop has been an integral part of the heart and soul of cycling for many, many years. In addition to their retail space, they have a very nice collection of bicycles on display in their museum and the walls are adorned with scores of vintage posters and original racing photographs.
From issue 12. Buy it here.