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Blue.Red.Black.Yellow.Green

By Joe Hall • 26th September 2011 12:31pm • Posted in Misc

It was the Olympic Games which originally conceived of the colour scheme in the 19th century, the five colours representing the continents of Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania, the white background symbolising peace. However, the UCI was allegedly born out of a dispute within the International Cycling Association, over whether Great Britain could field a team combining England, Wales, France, Scotland and Ireland. The five-man breakaway contingent of Belgium, France, Italy, USA and Switzerland formed in 1900 to create the governing body we know and love today. Fortunately for Mark Cavendish, and many other men and women of the Empire, Britain were allowed into the organisation in 1903. And so, 46 years since Nottinghamshire’s Tom Simpson sprinted into the rainbow jersey, the maverick from Mann, Mark Cavendish, becomes 2011 World Road Race Champion. God Save the Queen.

For fans of cycling paraphernalia, from bicycle frames to socks, the five-colour hoops can be found everywhere, coveted not just by the world’s best racers but collectors and curators. Just be aware, wearing a World Champ jersey is quite tricky to get away with.

Comments

Michael Edwards

26th September 2011 04:53pm

Agree you should only wear the hoops if you have earned them…..so how about a special edition jersey for those of us wanting to celebrate Cav's terrific result, out on the road. Great job by all the GB team…and top of the overall medals table as well….that tells a very exciting story.

Joe Hall

26th September 2011 05:57pm

You're right Michael - about the jersey and the medals - but whilst I can guarantee British cycling is in very rude health, I'm not certain you'll see a special ed. Cavendish jersey from us… Wait and see what Team Sky (!) get up to…

Jonathan Woodroof

26th September 2011 07:54pm

Great post and exciting 'potential' ; )

Ian Winfield

26th September 2011 09:01pm

London Grand Depart or World Road Champion?
I think the later bears more weight and should be marked with a jersey.
The lead out train embroidered on the pocket, the Manx Crest on the sleeve…….
The designers will have a field day.

Michael Edwards

26th September 2011 10:34pm

Go on….I know you want to….and as Ian says, it is rarer that an UK Grand Depart….and a designers field day….:)

Michel Mesut

26th September 2011 11:10pm

Very proud of Cav…but only a world champion should wear the rainbow bands.

PAUL WITTE

27th September 2011 01:58am

Only worn if earned . They should be honored as many a flag is . I don t like the idea there are bicycle manufacturers that decal the colors on their product . Honor the Manx Missile with a jersey if you wish but let him only enjoy the rainbow . He and Great Britain earned it !

BRYAN PETERSEN

27th September 2011 11:24am

I'm very happy for Cav the GB Team and all of UK cycling. This is a great accomplishment.

Hear hear to only wearing the rainbow if you've won'em.
However, some five-colour decals and/or accesories to celebrate the event and the title is always fun for all the regular cyclists out there.

Stuart Clark

28th September 2011 06:43pm

One of the best quotes from Cav on Sunday was that he had the jersey for a year and the bands on his shirt for the rest of his life. I agree with the rest you've got to earn them to wear them.

Michael Edwards

11th October 2011 05:23pm

Is that a rainbow I see in the sky…

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