Recently a new book was published about the success of the Zedelgem bicycle brand Flandria. There are already a few books about the successes of the Red Guard but this book by Filip Osselaer, known for Lucien! (about Lucien Van Impe), Eddy! (not about Eddy Merckx but about Eddy Planckaert), Merckx's rivals, ... goes deeper into the rise and fall of the famous bicycle brand Flandria.
In this book with the title The story of Flandria the author delves into the world of the legendary Flandria cycling team, which left an indelible impression on the international cycling arena between 1959 and 1979. The iconic red Flandria jerseys were synonymous with triumphs in classics, world titles, the Giro and the Vuelta. But as with many heroic stories, there was also a tragic ending.
The author takes you inside the peloton but also to the family behind the brand. The main players of that time talk about the glory years and the inevitable decline. The factories in Zedelgem, Warneton and Zwevezele once formed the epicentre of Flandria's success, but also of its downfall. Between 1974 and 1979 Flandria piled up successes but then things quickly went downhill.
Why was the success so great? What led to the fall? In The Story of Flandria you will find out all this. The book reveals the human stories, the passion and the struggle that were hidden behind the cycling shirts.
The 1973 Montjuic World Championship is also discussed, with the dispute between Eddy Merckx and Flandria rider Freddy Maertens, the 1977 Giro won by Michel Pollentier after he unexpectedly became leader due to the retirement of Freddy Maertens, the feud between the two brothers Aimé and Remi that led to the split of the factory into two parts and the creation of the Superia brand, and so on.
If you want to know more, I recommend reading the book yourself.
The first book presentation took place in Café Vitesse in Zedelgem, the recently opened bicycle shop of the grandsons of Pol Claeys. Where better than in Zedelgem, where the history of Flandria mainly took place, could this book presentation take place:
Many of the main characters from the book were present and were interviewed by Johnny Vansevenant, who, in addition to being a political reporter, is also the author of several books about cycling, including the Men behind Eddy Merckx, Men against Merckx and many other books about cycling.
Among others Michel Pollentier, Jeff D’hondt, Aimé Claeys (son of Pol Claeys) spoke, but also lesser-known figures who experienced the decline of Flandria from very close by. They also get a chapter in this book.
Of course we were also there and enjoyed the book presentation and the interviews as well as the free beer that was offered afterwards.
You can buy he book The story of Flandria on the following link The story of Flandria , it is 260 pages thick, contains numerous photographs and is published by Lannoo.
A must for cycling enthusiasts and especially for Flandria fans.
