Tour du Loiret, Race Used Team Car Plaque, Equipe

$25.00

Since the earliest days of racing, race organizer vehicles, team cars, and other members of the official race caravan have displayed plaques identifying their roles: officials, press, medical, advertising, team support, and more. These began as hand-painted or printed signs on heavy metal sheets, bolted directly to the vehicles. Over time, they evolved into versions made of paper affixed to wood, durable board, or plastic.

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, those formats gave way to windshield stickers, disposable one-race decals that quickly became the new standard. At the time, we knew there was no turning back. But we also saw something worth celebrating in the new format, and knew we had to find a way to preserve this cherished racing tradition.

Suddenly, caravan signage, already fleeting by nature, became even more ephemeral. These markers have long made fantastic souvenirs, whether as a reminder of a race you witnessed in person or on TV, a tribute to a birth year, graduation, anniversary, or a legendary edition of a race. Above all, they make for striking, race-worn display pieces in any bike room, man cave, or she shed.

We’re thrilled to offer a collection of these official race caravan plaques. Each of these unique modern markers has been carefully mounted by Brett, who teamed up with a local woodworker to affix them to custom-cut, 3/16” thick coated display panels. The scuffs, nicks, and bits of dirt? That’s part of the charm. Remember, these were race-used.

These are difficult to find. When they’re gone, they’re gone. So if one speaks to you, grab it!

All race stickers are sold unframed. Framed images are display ideas only.

Size: 11 ⅜  x 3 ¾  inches (29 x 9.5 cm)

This is a one-of-a-kind item; please look carefully at the photos to determine the condition.

Only 1 left in stock

Description

A Brief History of the Tour du Loiret

The Tour du Loiret is a French stage race held annually in May within the Loiret department, part of the Centre-Val de Loire region. Established in 1953, it is recognized on the national calendar of the French Cycling Federation. The local cycling club of Saint-Denis-de-l’Hôtel organized the inaugural editions from 1953 to 1960. Open to both professional and independent riders, these early races covered a distance of 250 kilometers. French cyclist Jean-Marie Cieleska notably won the event three times during this period.

The race was not held between 1961 and 1977. In 1978, Roland Gruber, who had finished second in the 1955 edition, revitalized the competition. From 1979 onward, the Tour was typically organized as a multi-stage race, except in 1991 and 1992, when it was a one-day event known as the “Flèche d’or du Loiret.”

Following Gruber’s passing in 2014, the race was renamed the “Tour du Loiret-Souvenir Roland-Gruber” in his honor. The 2020 edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, the 2024 edition was also canceled due to the unavailability of the national gendarmerie, which is responsible for race security.

Looking ahead, the 45th edition of the Tour du Loiret is scheduled for May 16–18, 2025. Organizers aim to elevate the event by featuring four stages and inviting the top 20 amateur teams. The race is set to start in Bellegarde, with a festive atmosphere planned to celebrate its return.

Source: Wikipedia.fr

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This is a one-of-a-kind item, so please review the photos carefully to determine the condition.

Additional information

Weight 2 lbs

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