Eddy Merckx to attend London’s Rouleur Classic next month

Eddy Merckx will attend the launch of the inaugural Rouleur Classic cycling show that takes place in London in November. That’s Eddy Merckx the man rather than Eddy Merckx the bike brand, the rider with 525 victories to his name, five-time winner of both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, holder of the world hour record… the list goes on.

Okay, so what’s the Rouleur Classic?

“Rouleur Classic offers a unique insight into the peloton; previews of 2016 bikes, accessories and apparel from the most iconic brands within the sport, special guests ‘in conversation’, World Tour and historic bike collections, and much more,” say the organisers.

It’s a three-day event that’s split into matinee and evening sessions. Evening ticket holders will have the option of drinks and canapés throughout their visit courtesy of Look Mum No Hands!, the café and bike workshop. Matinee guests won’t be left out; they’ll receive a glass of champagne on arrival.

The exhibition will feature over 25 brands including Pinarello, Castelli, Campagnolo, Colnago, Canyon, SRAM and Trek.

Cipollini will be showcasing a luxury edition road bike that retails for £60,000, and Canyon will show their EcoSpeed concept e-bike.

Eddy Merckx, who celebrated his 70th birthday earlier in the year, will be at the first evening of the event (19 November). Other guests over the course of the show’s three days include recently retired pro David Millar and British Cycling coach Shane Sutton. Madison Genesis team manager Roger Hammond and Cycle Show presenter Matt Barbet will also be there. 

Eddy Merckx will be reunited for the first time with a large selection of his winning tour jerseys exhibited at the show.

The organisers promise nutritional advice and demonstrations from Tinkoff Saxo team chef Hannah Grant, and mechanical advice from Team Sky and Muc-Off.

The Rouleur Classic show takes place 19-21 November at Vinopolis in Southwark, London. Early bird tickets are available from £30 at http://rouleur.eventgenius.co.uk/