Introducing Arenberg ’68, a new range of stylish, high-quality clothing and goods inspired by cycling’s most brutal road. Available for pre-order now.

 

In 1968 the feared Paris-Roubaix pavé (cobbled farm tracks) were slowly disappearing under tarmac. The critics said the race was stale. Too easy, too tame.

One rider knew differently. Jean Stablinksi, a former world champion, was born and raised in the Arenberg region. A former miner, he told the organisers of a brutal, crumbling track. The track ran arrow straight through the heart of the Arenberg Forest above the mine in which he worked. A road to break wheels, bikes and hearts.

In 1968, the riders tackled La Trouèe d'Arenberg - the Arenberg Trench - for the first time. The peloton was shattered, riders scattered, the race reborn. The Queen of the Classics had found her teeth.

The Arenberg '68 range features ultra-wearable, premium quality tees and sweatshirt, bidons and a beautiful, embossed notebook. 

Each item features a unique logo, inspired by the arrow-straight Arenberg trench and the cobblestone trophy awarded to the victor. We've also created a chevron pattern for the range, representing the pavé that makes the race such a brutal test of the legs and will.

The t-shirts are made from organic, 200gsm cotton - you'll feel the weight and quality straight out of the packet. The classic heather-grey marl sweatshirt has a woven chest logo, and is made from a wonderful loopback cotton that will keep its shape wash after wash.

Our Arenberg garments feature a Handmade Cyclist hip logo to complete the look, and all are ethically sourced for minimal environmental impact and guilt-free buying. We're really proud of the quality and fit of these garments - no baggy, cheap, thin shirts here - and we hope that these will become items you'll be equally proud to wear.

There are four tees in the range. Inspired by the nicknames of this most storied of races there's 'A Sunday In Hell', in rock'n'roll black and 'The Hell of The North' and 'Queen of the Classics' in a classic grey marl.

We're also really proud of our ultra-wearable white graphic logo tee, perfect for those who want a cycling t-shirt that doesn't feel the need to shout 'CYCLIST!' at the top of its lungs.

Roubaix is a race that every racer dreams of winning, and every racer fears. A gift for journalists, writers, romantics and dreamers. The French journalist Yves Berger, covering the race in 1982, quickly realised that Roubaix is something more than just a race:

“Don’t hunt around for other expressions; for the eighty years this race has existed, its chroniclers have used these words and these alone. By necessity. What words, you ask? Beauty, sadness, pain, courage, injustice.”

Our journal features Berger's words, embossed into a lovely, tactile, soft-touch cover. A treat for you, or gift for another.

Finally, we have our bidon set. These wide-mouth bottles are built to last - dishwasher safe, non-leak and with a premium spout. And we've tested them to make sure they don't bounce out the cage when you're smashing it on the pavé!

 

The Arenberg '68 range is available for pre-order now. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

As ever, we'd love you to get in touch and tell us what you think, so drop us a line or contact us on social media using the buttons below.

And finally - enjoy the race on Sunday, as another chapter in the legend of Arenberg is written.

April 07, 2017 — Neil Wyatt