Racing Jersey once owned by Lance Armstrong

[StClone]

Here is the story.

I work with the mother of a TREK Bike designer (HQ around Madison, WI). The TREK guy consults very closely, and is very friendly, with Lance Armstrong (Lance rides TREKs). Through the years Lance gave him articles of biking gear as a token of appreciation.

The TREK guy pushes his mother to ride to stay in shape even giving her gear including stuff Lance gave him to encourage her to ride. She is not into biking but humors her son by accepting the stuff and storing it.

She knows I ride a lot often right by her country home (gorgeous rural road). When I did her a favor at work she later gave me the shirt and said it probably wasn't worn by Armstrong but he got it in Le Tour De France from a sponsoring company or something and was in his possession for some time.

Does this thing have any value? It says made in Italy for NIKE on the label and has the wording in French "Supermarche Champion" and "01 Le Tour De France" It looks like it's new and is white with two inch red polka dots.

Anyone with an opinion?

[DS1]

1. That white shirt with red dots is probably a one of kind print

There are stage shirts, leader shirts, and climbing shirts, and probably some other shirts for the Tour de France that I'm not aware of, but this one is special if it's really his. Once you figure that out, I'm sure you could at least get 4 figures for it on eBay.

[StClone]

2. Thanks for the reply

I am going to approach the mom and ask her some questions. I am not looking to sell it and nearly gave it away. But your post really got me thinking.

[DS1]

3. I found it

When you are the "Leading Climber" meaning you kick everyone's ass up hills, you get this shirt. Aside from the yellow leader's jersey, this is probably the second most difficult shirt to get.




here's someone wearing one

[StClone]

4. Holy crap!

I wonder if the mom knew what she was giving away! Thanks again!

[keith the dem]

5. That's Richard Virenque

He was the 7 time King of the Mountains winner at the TdF. I rode with him and drove his team car in Philadelphia when he was a neo-pro with the french RMO team back in 1991.

The Jersey you have is a replica King of the Mountains Jersey. They sell these things as well as yellow jerseys and team jerseys at many bike shops and along the route of the TdF.

I am very doubtful that it was worn by Lance, because I don't ever remember him holding the lead in the King of the Mountains. His goal was always the yellow jersey, and he would not extend the extra energy needed to get those points at the top of the mountains. He would often let people like Virenque sprint ahead of him at the top of the KoM climbs. The KoM climbs are not stage finishes.

[Kolesar]

6. "King of the Mountains"

The bombast, the braggadoccio, I love it.