The story behind the Pévèle, our all-terrain bike
Asphalt, cobblestones, dirt roads, gravel paths... Our Pévèle is the bike for all terrains. The name is a reference to the epic performances of Eddy Merckx in Paris-Roubaix. The Cannibal won 3 times in the Hell of the North and left his mark on the treacherous stones of Northern France. The Pévèle is more than a bike; it is a tale of man's battle against nature.
Even before Eddy Merckx's breakthrough with his Tour de France victory in 1969, he was already a phenomenon. In 1967, he became world champion in Heerlen, the Netherlands. Wearing the rainbow jersey, he aimed for memorable performances the following season. April 7, 1968, was one of those days. In the finale, he broke away with Herman Vanspringel. The world champion was confident and sprinted to victory on the velodrome, decisively leaving his fellow escapee behind.
Two years later, the Cannibal triumphed again in the hell of the North. After victories in Paris-Nice, Gent-Wevelgem, and the Tour of Belgium, Merckx, in peak condition, headed to Roubaix. Eric Leman opened up the finale that day, but Roger De Vlaeminck and Merckx caught up with him. Merckx then launched a solo attack of 35 kilometers. With over 5 minutes ahead, he had plenty of time to celebrate his victory.
Even before Eddy Merckx's breakthrough with his Tour de France victory in 1969, he was already a phenomenon. In 1967, he became world champion in Heerlen, the Netherlands. Wearing the rainbow jersey, he aimed for memorable performances the following season. April 7, 1968, was one of those days. In the finale, he broke away with Herman Vanspringel. The world champion was confident and sprinted to victory on the velodrome, decisively leaving his fellow escapee behind.
Two years later, the Cannibal triumphed again in the hell of the North. After victories in Paris-Nice, Gent-Wevelgem, and the Tour of Belgium, Merckx, in peak condition, headed to Roubaix. Eric Leman opened up the finale that day, but Roger De Vlaeminck and Merckx caught up with him. Merckx then launched a solo attack of 35 kilometers. With over 5 minutes ahead, he had plenty of time to celebrate his victory.
Epic Edition
Third time's a charm, the Cannibal must have thought. Three years later, he celebrated once again in the cobblestone classic. Once more, De Vlaeminck was his companion in the finale. They broke away together 60 kilometers from the finish. It was a day of dreadful weather, with only 35 riders reaching the finish. Merckx wasn't deterred by the apocalyptic conditions and left "Monsieur Paris-Roubaix" behind, who suffered from an arm injury after a fall in Gent-Wevelgem. Merckx ultimately maintained a lead of over 2 minutes ahead of Walter Godefrood and Roger Rosiers.
Third time's a charm, the Cannibal must have thought. Three years later, he celebrated once again in the cobblestone classic. Once more, De Vlaeminck was his companion in the finale. They broke away together 60 kilometers from the finish. It was a day of dreadful weather, with only 35 riders reaching the finish. Merckx wasn't deterred by the apocalyptic conditions and left "Monsieur Paris-Roubaix" behind, who suffered from an arm injury after a fall in Gent-Wevelgem. Merckx ultimately maintained a lead of over 2 minutes ahead of Walter Godefrood and Roger Rosiers.
With three victories in Roubaix, Merckx is only surpassed by De Vlaeminck and Tom Boonen in terms of the number of wins. He is considered a true cobblestone specialist, a fact not forgotten in France. In the spring of 2023, Camphin-en-Pévèle was renamed the Eddy Merckx Sector. Somewhat remarkably, Merckx himself never rode over these stones. It wasn't until 1980 that this four-star section made its first appearance in the race.
Own section
Therefore, the Pévèle is a tribute to Merckx's performances in Roubaix. Not coincidentally, the three-kilometer cobblestone stretch in Mons-en-Pévèle served as a testing ground for this bike. It performs well both on the road and in the field, thanks to its light and absorbent frame.
Photo of Merckx: Photo News
Own section
Therefore, the Pévèle is a tribute to Merckx's performances in Roubaix. Not coincidentally, the three-kilometer cobblestone stretch in Mons-en-Pévèle served as a testing ground for this bike. It performs well both on the road and in the field, thanks to its light and absorbent frame.
Photo of Merckx: Photo News
