DAF-COTE D’OR
In the landscape of professional cycling in the early 1980s, the DAF Trucks–Côte d'Or team emerged as one of the most competitive and ambitious squads on the circuit. With a roster of top-tier athletes and an innovative technical vision, the team quickly established itself in road racing, achieving prestigious victories in both the Classics and major stage races.
Origins and sponsors
Active from 1979 to 1983, the Belgian team DAF Trucks–Côte d'Or reached its peak in 1981-1982, thanks to the joint sponsorship of Dutch truck manufacturer DAF Trucks and renowned Belgian chocolate company Côte d'Or. The partnership between DAF Trucks and Côte d'Or provided the team with significant resources, attracting internationally acclaimed riders and solidifying a top-level technical structure. Under the expert guidance of Fred De Bruyne, a former champion and experienced directeur sportif, the team stood out in the highly competitive world of road cycling. The team was immediately recognizable thanks to its iconic white jersey, featuring a horizontal blue and red stripe, proudly displaying the DAF Trucks and Côte d'Or logos — symbols of a fusion between technology and tradition.
Triumphs and legends
Among the legendary names who wore the DAF Trucks–Côte d'Or jersey were Belgian Roger De Vlaeminck and Dutchman Hennie Kuiper. De Vlaeminck, nicknamed "Monsieur Roubaix" for his multiple victories in Paris-Roubaix, enriched the team’s palmarès with prestigious wins, including Paris-Brussels, Brabantse Pijl, and the 1981 Belgian national championship. Kuiper, an Olympic champion (1972) and World Champion (1975), secured victories in Tour of Flanders and Giro di Lombardia, strengthening the team’s reputation in the Monument Classics. The 1981 season was particularly successful for DAF Trucks–Côte d'Or, with numerous victories elevating the team to fifth place in the world rankings. Beyond the achievements of De Vlaeminck and Kuiper, emerging talents such as young Dutchman Adrie van der Poel and Belgian René Martens contributed to the team’s success, winning stages in major races like Paris-Nice and the Tour de France.
The legacy
Despite the team’s dissolution in 1983, the impact of DAF Trucks–Côte d'Or in the cycling world remains significant. The combination of talented athletes, competent management, and strong sponsorship created a model of sporting excellence. The achievements of its riders continue to inspire cycling enthusiasts and professionals, recalling an era defined by courage, innovation, and passion. Today, the memory of DAF Trucks–Côte d'Or lives on through the stories of its exploits and the admiration for its champions — symbols of a golden age in road cycling.
Santini Custom Series
Since 1965, we have dedicated our passion and expertise to cycling, creating kits for some of the greatest teams in history and for the champions who have written the most thrilling chapters of this sport. Every garment we produce embodies the experience and innovation we have refined over the years, designed to meet the needs of those who live cycling with the same intensity — whether professionals or amateurs. Today, we bring this heritage to you, ensuring that every ride is accompanied by the quality and dedication that define us.