The Rainbow Curse
From issue 24 • Words/image: Brett Horton/Horton Collection
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We were thrilled to get this bike directly from legendary Belgian rider Freddy Maertens a few years ago. Custom made for Freddy by Colnago, this Campagnolo-equipped thoroughbred has a slew of pantographed parts that scream early 1980s. Freddy raced with this fine Columbus steel machine in 1982 during his reign as world champion and used it as a training bike for several years thereafter. Over the years, there have been numerous instances of “the curse of the rainbow jersey.” This adage is proclaimed when an otherwise strong and seemingly invincible rider wins the world championship and follows it up by having mediocre results the following year. Freddy fell to the curse in spades. After a 1981 season that included five Tour de France stage victories, and winning the worlds, he delivered a 1982 season victory count of zero. In fact, he had only two podium placings at anything that could remotely be considered important races. Goes to show that even a great rider can be scorched by the curse of the rainbow jersey!
From issue 24, SOLD OUT.