“Let me show you why this is no ordinary bike show,” says Matt Stephens as he introduces the video highlights of the 2018 Rouleur Classic.
Having stepped straight from the lobby into the exhibition halls and theatre of central London’s Victoria House, his very first interviewee is none other than Eddy Merckx. The celebrated Belgian was attending the fourth edition of the Classic to both talk on stage with Sir Bradley Wiggins and Fabian Cancellara, and also be inducted into the Cycling Hall of Fame.
There are also quick catch-ups in the video with the latter two, while Lizzie Deignan, David Millar, Ivan Basso, Mark Cavendish, Sean Kelly, John Degenkolb, Adam Blythe and Freddy Maertens are just a few more who stroll in to cameo appearances.
But the Rouleur Classic is not just about the star riders, explains Matt, reeling off a list off “superbrands” whose stands he just happens to be strolling past: Rolo, Zipp, SRAM, Litespeed, 4iii, Mavic, POC, Tacx and Endura. On display there are special editions, blueprints and first-shows. We see a brand new Cervelo, a stunning Canyon, a boosted 3T.
As well as cutting edge technology, like the first public outing of Ceramic Speed’s revolutionary new drive train, there was also a remarkable collection of memorabilia on show. Retrieving one of Tom Simpson’s 1965 world champion’s jerseys from a display case, Matt discloses: “I’m trembling, I’m sweating, that is a real piece of history.”
Yet, there was so much more. This little showreel is a mere 11 minute cut from three days of celebrity appearances, dream bikes, insightful talks, jaw-dropping kit, team launches, films, fantastic displays and curations of artefacts that celebrate the very best from the sport of road cycling.
More Rouleur Classic 2018 highlights
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Video highlights from the Rouleur Classic – day 1
Video highlights from the Rouleur Classic – day 2
Video highlights from the Rouleur Classic – day 3
Talks, launches and showcases from the Rouleur Classic Theatre on Facebook
Rouleur Classic 2019
Next year, the Rouleur Classic will return to Victoria House with a new and improved layout and a new theme – the Grand Tours. Once again, London will play host to the greatest champions of the sport and the greatest bikes in the world.
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