Following Monday’s tragic death of Wouter Weylandt at the Giro d’Italia, the number 108 which he wore during the race is destined to assume a special significance in the cycling world. Now, a T-shirt is available bearing those three digits that will allow you to pay tribute to the 26-year-old Belgian, while benefiting the fund that his team, Leopard Trek, have set up to provide support for his family including his girlfriend and the unborn child he will never know.
During Tuesday’s neutralised Stage 4, fans lining the roadside held up banners paying tribute to the rider, many simply bearing his race number 108 and the words “sempre con noi” – “always with us.” Organisers of the race have confirmed that they have permanently withdrawn the number from all future editions of the Giro as a mark of respect.
Produced by American cycling-themed T-shirt firm Stomach of Anger, the design is simple yet powerful, with the ‘zero’ based on the logo appearing on Leopard Trek’s own jersey.
It costs $20 plus postage, with between $12 and $15 going to the fund set up by the team via Facebook, the final amount depending on the number of orders received.
Stomach of Anger say that in order to raise as much money as possible for Weylandt’s family, the T-shirt will be on sale until after the Giro ends on Sunday 29 May. After that, one run of the T-shirts will be made, with the garments shipped out immediately.
Postage is $5.85 to the US, $12.85 to Canada and $14.85 to the Rest of the World via USPS Priority Mail. Expected delivery dates are the second week of June for US orders and between two and four weeks for international orders.
The T-shirt can be ordered here, where there is also a link to enquire about making large orders, or if you have any further questions.
Of course, if you would prefer to make a donation without ordering a T-shirt, you can do so directly on the Facebook page set up by Leopard Trek here.
Simon has been news editor at road.cc since 2009, reporting on 10 editions and counting of pro cycling’s biggest races such as the Tour de France, stories on issues including infrastructure and campaigning, and interviewing some of the biggest names in cycling. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, his background has proved invaluable in reporting on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, and the bike industry. He splits his time between London and Cambridge, and loves taking his miniature schnauzer Elodie on adventures in the basket of her Elephant Bike.