An exhibition on Flemish rider Johan Museeuw opens at the Tour of Flanders Centre in Oudenaarde (East Flanders) this weekend. It’s exactly 30 years since Museeuw become world champion in Lugano, Switzerland. The exhibition tells the story of the 115 victories he achieved during his career, including three Tour of Flanders wins.
Tour of Flanders Centre in Oudenaarde honours champion rider Johan Museeuw with an exhibition
Colin Clapson
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‘It's always strange to see yourself in large format, especially after all these years,’ says Johan Museeuw. ‘I consider this exhibition a great honour, especially because the previous one was devoted to the greatest cyclist of all time, Eddy Merckx.’
The name of the exhibition, “Expo Museeuw 30 | 60, from Rainbow to Legend”, refers to the world title Museeuw won 30 years ago in Lugano (Switzerland) and to his age today (60).
Dad's derny on show
The exhibition tells you more about Museeuw's 115 victories, but there are also some personal items on display. ‘The derny is one of the most beautiful objects here. It's the moped my father used to ride and I used to ride behind him. A lot of emotion is attached to this vehicle and, above all, it reminds me of a lot of training work. My paternoster is also here, by the way.’
Museeuw won the Tour of Flanders three times and ‘Hell of the North’ Paris-Roubaix also thrice. ‘My first victory in the Tour of Flanders was the most special one, because at that moment you don't know if there will be more victories to follow. But the world title in Lugano remains my most beautiful victory, because after that you get to ride around in the rainbow jersey for an entire year.’
The exhibition at the Tour of Flanders Centre runs until the end of October.