The Story Behind the Peugeot Cycling Team Kit

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Some cycling jerseys are more than just fabric—they are symbols of an era, a legacy worn by legends. Among them, few are as timeless and recognizable as the Peugeot cycling team kit. With its black-and-white checkerboard design, the jersey became one of the most iconic looks in the sport, worn by some of the greatest cyclists in history.

A Jersey Born from Tradition (1901 – The Early Years)

The Peugeot cycling team is one of the oldest and most successful teams in the history of the sport. Originally formed in 1901, Peugeot quickly became a dominant force in professional cycling. In the early years, the team’s jerseys were simple, often featuring plain white or grey wool with minimal branding.

It wasn’t until the 1950s that Peugeot introduced the now-famous black-and-white checkerboard pattern, a design that would go on to define an entire era of cycling. The pattern was inspired by the Peugeot logo, which had deep roots in motor racing and cycling, symbolizing speed and precision.

A Timeless Classic: The Design That Defined an Era

The Peugeot jersey was a masterpiece of simplicity. Predominantly white, with bold black lettering spelling “Peugeot” across the chest and the unmistakable checkerboard stripe on the torso and sleeves, it stood out in the peloton like no other. The elegance of this design, coupled with the dominance of the team, made it one of the most recognizable jerseys in cycling history.

Throughout the years, subtle changes were made—sponsors like BP, Michelin, and Esso appeared on later versions, and by the 1980s, the jersey evolved into the more colorful Z-Peugeot version with blue and red accents.

The Champions Who Wore It

The Peugeot team dominated professional cycling for much of the 20th century, producing legends who cemented its place in history:

• Tom Simpson (1960s): The stylish British rider made history in Peugeot colors, winning Milan-San Remo and becoming the first Brit to wear the Tour de France yellow jersey.
• Eddy Merckx (1966-1967): Before becoming “The Cannibal,” Merckx rode his early pro years with Peugeot, taking key victories that foreshadowed his dominance.
• Bernard Thévenet (1975 & 1977): The French champion famously ended Merckx’s reign, winning the 1975 Tour de France and repeating the feat in 1977 while sporting the legendary checkerboard jersey.
• Robert Millar (1980s): The legendary Scottish climber wore Peugeot’s later evolutions, including the unforgettable Z-Peugeot version, securing a King of the Mountains title in the Tour.

The Peugeot Jersey’s Lasting Legacy

Peugeot continued its cycling legacy until the 1986 season, when it transitioned into the Z-Peugeot team and later became Z-Tomasso and Z-Vêtements before evolving into what would later become the Crédit Agricole team. Despite its evolution, the classic black-and-white checkerboard jersey remains a symbol of cycling’s golden age, instantly recognizable to fans and collectors worldwide.

Ride Like the Legends – Get Your Own Peugeot Jersey!

If you love cycling’s golden age, why not ride in the colors of the greats? At Pulling Turns, we bring you a curated collection of authentic vintage cycling jerseys, including the legendary Peugeot kit.

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