I have been to Erik's house and office to see his collection. Contrary to the myth, while he has a keen knowledge of racing history, he presently does not collect other rider's items. He does however, have the best Erik Zabel collection one can ever hope to see.
Erik's collection represents nearly every scrap of anything he has won since he was a teenager. The bikes (with the exception of 1 OT Colnago Ferrari) are all his own machines. Basically, if he won or placed well in a memorable race, he tried to keep the bike. I think the number of bikes of seven previously mentioned is not far off the mark. There is also a long glass case that houses many of his trophies. Along one wall he has hanging about a dozen framed jerseys. Another wall is covered with podium sashes and wreathes. The majority of his collection is at his office, which is a 5 minute drive from his house. At his house there are only a few clues that a rider lives there. He has a few trophies in his living room from the biggest wins of his career. Beyond that, a normal house with a sweet wife and adoring son.
I do find it pretty funny that with all the OT wonder bikes he has, the bike he uses for coffee runs is a beater, on topic steel steed with Campy Super Record from the early 80's.
My interactions with Erik have always been extremely pleasant. He is a really nice guy who always seems to always make time to meet when Shelly and I are in the Dortmund area or at a race he is riding. One of the sports princes!
Brett Horton San Francisco, CA
--- Guy Apple <cinelliguy@earthlink.net> wrote:<snip> Does anyone know anything about Erik's collection. <snip>
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