The Forgotten Tours: Exploring Cult Races Through Their Jerseys
When we think of cycling history, certain races loom large: the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, the Vuelta a España. These Grand Tours have shaped legends and inspired the most iconic kits in the sport. But beyond the famous climbs and yellow jerseys, there’s a deeper, richer tapestry of races—forgotten tours, cult classics, and regional showdowns—that left their mark in a different way.
At Pulling Turns, we believe every jersey tells a story. And sometimes, the most fascinating ones come from races that no longer exist or have faded from the global spotlight. Let’s explore some of these forgotten tours—through the beautiful, bold jerseys they left behind.
🇨🇭 Tour de Romandie – A Swiss Icon
First held in 1947, the Tour de Romandie was the jewel of the French-speaking Swiss cycling scene. Nestled between the Alps and Lake Geneva, it wasn’t just a warm-up for the Giro—it was a test of technical climbing and icy grit. Jerseys from the ’80s and ’90s show off sleek minimalist Swiss design, with sponsors like Festina, La Suisse, and Helvetia gracing tight-fitting lycra.
These kits remind us of a time when Swiss precision met panache.
🇫🇷 Critérium International – The “Mini Tour”
Dubbed the “Mini Tour de France,” the Critérium International was once a proving ground for future legends. With only a few stages—often a flat race, a mountain climb, and a time trial—it condensed everything into a single weekend.
The jerseys? Pure French flair. Think bold primary colors, unique regional sponsors, and unmistakable retro charm. Riders like Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain wore them proudly in the early ’90s—making them collector’s gold today.
🇪🇸 Volta a Catalunya – Catalan Spirit
Though still running today, Volta a Catalunya often flies under the radar. But back in the ’80s and ’90s, it was a vibrant alternative to the Vuelta, full of local pride and ferocious competition.
Its jerseys reflected Catalonia’s independence streak: bright red, yellow, and blue palettes, Catalan sponsors, and designs that broke with the uniformity of the bigger tours. These kits aren’t just beautiful—they’re statements.
🇮🇹 Settimana Ciclistica Lombarda – The Hardcore’s Italy
Before the modern cycling calendar was streamlined, the Settimana Lombarda was a gritty Italian race full of sharp climbs, technical descents, and no-nonsense racing. With teams often sponsored by local banks, bike shops, or even cheese cooperatives, the kits were as authentic as it gets.
Picture blocky logos, clashing colors, and hand-stitched badges. These jerseys are time capsules from a forgotten age of Italian cycling, where beauty met chaos.
🇧🇪 Étoile de Bessèges – Belgium’s Winter War
Held in early February, Étoile de Bessèges was once the battleground for hardened classics riders coming out of winter. The cold weather often meant long sleeves, thermal layers, and unusually dark or subdued kits. Still, teams brought out their experimental looks, testing new sponsors and designs.
If you ever find one of these in the wild, it’s a rare gem—proof you know your cycling history beyond the obvious.
🎽 Why These Jerseys Matter
In a world of streamlined, sponsor-heavy kits, vintage jerseys from forgotten tours are unapologetically original. They were regional, raw, and reflective of their time—and that’s exactly why they’re experiencing a quiet renaissance among collectors and fashion-forward cyclists alike.
Wearing one isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about rebellion. About choosing a story that’s not in the spotlight. About riding with heritage, not just performance.
🛒 Explore Our Collection
At Pulling Turns, we’re constantly hunting down rare vintage jerseys from these cult races. Because real cycling culture isn’t just found in Paris or Milan—it’s in the valleys, the forgotten climbs, and the roadside cafés of Romandie, Lombardy, and beyond.
👉 Shop the latest finds and ride with stories that deserve to be remembered.
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