Jacques Anquetil bicycles appeared on the continental market in 1966. Ron Kitching negotiated for the exclusive selling rights for Great Britain in the same year. Ron exhibited these frames at the 1966 Earls Court Cycle Show. There were five models in the range Normandy, Debutante, Maillot Jaune, Champion du Monde and the Pista (Track Model). They were mostly finished in the unique Anquetil violet colour with yellow and chrome transfers. Head lugs picked out in yellow. They used yellow transfers to pay homage to all his yellow jerseys and TdeF wins. Alternative finish available was Normandy red to special order and an all chrome finish. Frame construction was hand brazed using Bocama Professional lugs and fork crowns. All threaded to British standards. Fitted with special JA chromium plated seat bolt with contrasting colours. The Pista was built with 531 butted tubes, extra stiff chain stays and 5/8" seat stays. Round fork blades twin plate fork crown,available as a road/track with short reach brake clearance or as a pure sprint machine. Teams and riders to use Anquetil cycles were BIC which included the "British" Vin Denson, Julio Jimenez winner of the "Grand Prix de la Montagne" 1967 TdeF. Goz Goodman British Pro Champ and the Truman's steel Team of Mason, Halls and Gordon. Who used Malliot Jaune frame sets with Zeus, TA, Balilla, Ideale, Vittoria and Miremo equipment.
Thats all for now. Keep those wheels spinning, in your memories if not still on the road. Be lucky Mick Butler Huntingdon UK.
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