Tour de France 2025: “They tell an era…” The collection of jerseys that makes cycling fans dream

Behind the door of this house hides an unsuspected treasure. Therefore, In the Gers. Therefore, a few steps from the capital, Jean-Luc Barbelanne opened the doors of his universe on the eve of the Tour de France’s passage for the 12^e step between Auch and Hautacam. For example, In a fitted closet, a hundred cycling jerseys line up, labeled and sheltered from dust.

All were witnesses of decades of history and passion. Therefore, But above all: they belonged to big names in cycling. Moreover, “I have always had a collector’s soul,” says tour de france 2025: “they Jean-Luc. Moreover, “People who accumulate bottles of bottles have always fascinated me. Therefore, And, for me, it is the jerseys that tell an era.”

Laboratory technician at the hospital, this native of Auch embarked on this unusual collection about fifteen years ago. Internet allowed him to find his first pieces but also to establish links with other enthusiasts. “I met collectors, and some jerseys come from a man who had 2,500. His son sells some, that’s how my collection grew up,” said the Gersois.

Poulidor, Hinault, Cavendish and many others – Tour de france 2025: "they

Cycling, Jean-Luc never practiced it in competition like his tour de france 2025: “they older son also passionate. “I go a road bike, as an amateur. But it’s a sport that has always attracted me. much more than the football to which I tried to take an interest in.”

Today, he has several dozen jerseys. Some have also belonged to legends like Raymond Poulidor, Bernard Hinault or Mark Cavendish. “It is the reputation of cyclists that gives value to a jersey,” admits Jean-Luc. Without having a real crush on one of the pieces in his collection. he underlines: “For me, it is the whole that makes the charm.”

That said, some stand out. The jerseys of the 1970s and 1980s remind him of tour de france 2025: “they certain childhood memories. At that time, Jean-Luc was the age of the youngest of his sons. An era during which a certain Eddy Merckx won, in Auch, his 34th stage.

“The oldest jersey dates from 1967, the most recent of last year. But I do not run after the current models,” he describes, showing the jerseys, stars in his eyes. Some are even dedicated, enough to make the collector’s pride.

“At the crush”

Today. if he dreams of a rare piece, the jersey of Luis Ocaña who lived in the Gers and winner of the 1973 Tour, he works above all “at the crush”. The latter also does not hide his desire to see his collection completed by a yellow jersey.

Anxious to share his passion, Jean-Luc readily agrees to exhibit his collection when it is given the opportunity. “A collection is done to be seen. Otherwise, they are dead objects.” He only regrets that he did not have the opportunity to install a stand on the day of departure. of the Tour. “It would have been complicated to organize, I was told. It’s a shame, because it would have liked it.”

At home, only his eldest son seems to share this fervor for the bicycle. “He lives bike. The others, not really,” smiles Jean-Luc. But that does not prevent him from continuing his quest. “In the Gers, there must be small treasures hidden in cupboards. If someone wants to make a happy …” Wantly hear …