Anyone who is already of a blessed age has ever played with miniature metal or plastic cyclists. I am not talking about my generation but more that of my parents who were children in the 50s and 60s. I do remember that I once held them in my hands as a child, but then the paint was almost all removed and since they were in a box with soldiers, Indians, and cowboys, my brother and I chose the latter to play with.
But as they claim and usually also comes true, trends are returning and the miniature cyclists have been a hot item again for a few years now. Although less as a toy but more as a collector's item for true cycling enthusiasts.
The idea to give these miniature cyclists a new life came from Yann Simperl from Ostend after he noticed that the plastic retro vintage cyclists from the 60s that were displayed in the vintage store that he ran with his wife were quite successful.
In response, he brought a box of miniature cyclists from France which he then painted by hand and the idea of The Original Flandriens was born. The riders were systematically improved and the material that is used now is zamak, which is an alloy of zinc and aluminum.
The Original Flandriens only really became known when they were used in the TV program Vive Le Vélo during the Tour de France.
Initially, the riders only wore retro jerseys from the most legendary sponsors such as Brooklyn, Sanson, Fiat, Peugeot, Molteni, etc., but now you can also get cyclists with the jerseys of the current professional teams. A new edition is published every year.
There are also special editions available, such as for the Tour of Flanders and Cycling heroes where you always get a legendary cyclist with 3 different jerseys: Eddy Merckx, Marco Pantani, Philippe Gilbert, Greg Lemond, etc.
You can also personalize your cyclist yourself with your own name. The miniature cyclists are now also available abroad and there has even been a collaboration with the well-known designer Paul Smith, who offers a silver and bronze version for sale.
The riders are for sale at many bicycle shops, but also directly via the bol.com website at the following link > Flandrien mini cyclists. For 2 cyclists you pay €16
