Paris - Roubaix 1996

Paris Roubaix April 14 1996 

More than eighty kilometers from Roubaix, a Mapei-GB quartet blows away all opposition.
The Italians Ballerini - last year's winner -, Bortolami and Tafi fly over the cobblestones. Johan Museeuw is also on board, the race seems to have already been completed:
a Mapei rider wins Paris-Roubaix. But which one?

Ballerini punctures a second time and has to let his mates go.
Museeuw and co do not wait.

The nervousness is gradually reaching boiling point.
Museeuw imposes his will on his Italian companions, but less than ten kilometers from the finish, the Belgian rider has a second puncture.
So is this the chance for Bortolami and Tafi? No, the Italians are waiting for their leader.

They arrive together in the Roubaix velodrome.

Six hands go up in the air, Museeuw wins.
One, two, three, never seen. The Lion of Flanders adds the Hell Classic to his palmares for the first time.
The first of eventually three cobblestones.

We just released our Roubaix 1996 T-shirt and sweater.

Both have the dossard (number 4) of Johan Museeuw on the front and a Mapei inspired backpocket with Çois branded button.

Premium cotton T-shirt and sweater, made in Portugal.

And approved by the Lion of Flanders himself!