Tommy Simpson remembered with Rapha special edition jersey and cap

korblimey wrote:

Who'd wear a predominantly white jersey? Totally unpractical for sweaty, sticky, oily mitts. Never mind the absurd price. The Rapha Sale section is still full of white jerseys. Wonder why.

I generally keep a high level of hand hygiene, so a white top isn't an issue.

And anyway most are sold out now, so I'll doubt you'll find them in the sale section.

MNgraveur wrote:

On the one hand, "put me back on the bike" is epic and tragic. Alternatively, it's a sign of being so crazed on amphetamines that you kill yourself. A bit hard to celebrate this.

It's also a sign of what great creative journalism can do.

Simpson never uttered these words, they were created by a journalist. As was common at that time journalists used a fair bit of artistic license to describe events (before the use of multiple TV camera bikes / helicopters etc it was hard to cover every aspect of the race). The classic line was an invention, but what an impact it has made in cementing Simpson's image / legacy.

sorebones wrote:

MNgraveur wrote:

On the one hand, "put me back on the bike" is epic and tragic. Alternatively, it's a sign of being so crazed on amphetamines that you kill yourself. A bit hard to celebrate this.

It's also a sign of what great creative journalism can do.

Simpson never uttered these words, they were created by a journalist. As was common at that time journalists used a fair bit of artistic license to describe events (before the use of multiple TV camera bikes / helicopters etc it was hard to cover every aspect of the race). The classic line was an invention, but what an impact it has made in cementing Simpson's image / legacy.

The quote comes from Sydney Saltmarsh, a journalist for The Sun, who was following the race from a bar.

William Fotheringham's book "Put Me Back On My Bike" is a biography of Tom, with a fair and unbiased investigation into his death.

As for the jersey, I wouldn't buy one until Rapha release the exact percentage of sales that go towards the memorial fund, considering the price is at least double what other jerseys of similar quality cost.

zanf wrote:

As for the jersey, I wouldn't buy one until Rapha release the exact percentage of sales that go towards the memorial fund, considering the price is at least double what other jerseys of similar quality cost.

And your list of jerseys of similar quality at half the price or less?

Along with telling us what Rapha kit you own, which clearly you must do in order to make a comparison.

As for the memorial fund, yes it would be nice to know, but they haven't said it was a charity jersey, just that they would be making a donation. They're a commercial company, and they have a fair record of supporting and sponsoring teams and events to promote cycling.

Yogic Cyclist wrote:

So in 50 years will we see an Armstrong Jersey?

Fickle doesn't come close.

New here, but I have read many threads on this site. And, according to many, doping is doping and as such should not be tolerated or celebrated, unless of course, it is, Simpson or Pantani.

Doping is top level sport, especially cycling, swimming, and athletics. The media create the good v evil script (a good script always sells) - don't fall for it! Either love the sport or don't, but don't fall into to trap of thinking your heroes are clean!

crikey wrote:

Perfectly targeted.
The inner collar should be finished with the quote: "A glorious mix of marketing and cynicism."

...if it wasn't for the fact all profits go to charity.

Nice try though.

Quote:

...if it wasn't for the fact all profits go to charity.

According to the Rapha website: "A portion of the proceeds from the Rapha Tom Simpson Jersey and Cap will be donated to the Simpson family and used for maintenance of the Tom Simpson memorial on Mont Ventoux."

So not all of the profits. I'd be very interested to find out exactly what portion. Rapha? Road.cc journalists?

picko][quote wrote:

According to the Rapha website: "A portion of the proceeds from the Rapha Tom Simpson Jersey and Cap will be donated to the Simpson family and used for maintenance of the Tom Simpson memorial on Mont Ventoux."

I'm sure its enough for the Simpson family to be involved with the project. What are you doing to help fund the memorial?

muppetteer][quote=picko wrote:

Quote:

According to the Rapha website: "A portion of the proceeds from the Rapha Tom Simpson Jersey and Cap will be donated to the Simpson family and used for maintenance of the Tom Simpson memorial on Mont Ventoux."

I'm sure its enough for the Simpson family to be involved with the project. What are you doing to help fund the memorial?

Nothing. And that has precisely nothing to do with the point being made. Use of the name will increase jersey sales for Rapha compared to a jersey without the name. I wouldn't buy a jersey at £120 with Tom's name on it if only 20p of that was going to the family - it would be unfair. Which is why I asked the question about what the portion was. I'm not suggesting this is the case and I'm not a Rapha hater - I have plenty of their kit and am very happy with it. But there simply isn't anything which lets potential buyers like me make that judgment, so I think it's a fair question.

You say 'you're sure it's enough for the family to be involved' - have you got any information you can share then?

usedtobefaster wrote:

Not sure about the "SIMPSONISSMO" wording, seems to be an Italian slant on a rider based in France and loved by the French for being the English gentlemen.

I'd read the article then.

1961BikiE wrote:

You mean Tom doped? I'd never heard that.

I could be wrong but it's the reason he passed away on Mont Ventoux, that and the arduous climb just took it's toll. His last words are pure class and why he garnered some much respect and love:

"put me back on my bike"

Always the fighter. As for the jersey, I love it and will consider a purchase.