The biked that helped launched the career of an unlikely Dutch climber
Despite his size, Dutchman Gert Jan Theunisse excelled in the mountains of the Tour de France, this Gazelle is the bike on which he honed his craft
In the 1980s, Gert-Jan Theunisse donned the scarlet Amstel Bier team livery on a Champion Mondial bike. Known for his formidable mountain skills, Theunisse may not have topped the climber rankings of the decade, but he did manage to clinch victory in the 1989 Tour de France, remembered as one of the all-time greats due to the intense rivalry between Laurent Fignon and Greg Lemond.
His Tour triumph was sweetened by a Stage 17 win, a solo breakaway covering 50km from the Croix de Fer to the summit of Alpe d’Huez. The flamboyant Dutchman was recognizable by his long, flowing hair, signature headbands, and the nicknames that came with them, such as Hiawatha and the Blonde Angel. Despite later struggles with doping allegations, heart issues, and injuries, Theunisse's career was significantly propelled by his two-year stint with feeder team Amstel Bier in 1982 and 1983.
Richard Hoddinott, current owner of vintage specialists The Velo Pages, credits this period with setting Theunisse on his path. His arrival at Amstel Bier was made possible by a Gazelle bike, a classic piece from the 1980s era, featuring Reynolds 531 components, full Campagnolo Super Record groupset, Cinelli bar and stem, Unicantor saddle, Mavic GP4 rims, and Christophe toe clips.
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