LA REDOUTE-MOTOBÉCANE
In the world of professional cycling during the 1980s, few teams managed to combine elegance and determination as successfully as La Redoute-Motobécane. Active from 1979 to 1985, this French team left an indelible mark on road racing, thanks to a winning synergy of talent, strategy, and innovation.
Origins and sponsors
The team was founded in 1979 under the sponsorship of two prestigious brands: La Redoute, a renowned French mail-order company, and Motobécane, a well-known bicycle manufacturer. This partnership provided the team with cutting-edge resources and equipment, essential for competing at the highest levels of international cycling. In particular, Motobécane bicycles were recognized for their quality and technological innovation, significantly enhancing the riders' performances. In 1984, following Motobécane’s withdrawal as a co-sponsor, the team continued under the sole La Redoute name, maintaining the same commitment and passion that had defined it from the start. Despite these changes, the team remained a strong representative of French cycling, taking on the challenges of international competition with determination.
Triumphs and legends
La Redoute-Motobécane secured numerous victories in major cycling competitions. In 1980, the team ranked ninth in the world standings for professional cycling teams, a testament to its competitiveness. Several notable riders wore the La Redoute-Motobécane jersey, including Robert Alban, known for his exceptional climbing abilities, and Bernard Vallet, who won the polka dot jersey as the best climber in the 1982 Tour de France. Jean-Luc Vandenbroucke, on the other hand, stood out for his outstanding time trial skills, claiming prestigious victories such as the Grand Prix des Nations and the Trofeo Baracchi in 1980, as well as winning Paris-Tours in 1982.
The legacy
Although the team officially disbanded in 1985, the legacy of La Redoute-Motobécane endures in the world of cycling. The dedication, innovation, and fighting spirit of its members continue to inspire new generations of riders and enthusiasts. Their story remains a significant chapter in French cycling, demonstrating the importance of passion and perseverance in the sport. Today, memorabilia and jerseys from La Redoute-Motobécane are sought after by collectors and cycling fans, serving as symbols of an era when cycling combined tradition and innovation, creating legends that continue to captivate and inspire.
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.