Not available in the UK !

Above Left, Eric De Vlaeminck riding for Belgium, and carrying the Brooklyn name on his cycle clothing, at Crystal Palace in the World Professional Cyclo Cross Race on Sunday 25th February 1973. He went on to win the race to register Brooklyn`s first in their inaugural season, something I witnessed, as I was marshalling on the course at the time.

Surprisingly l have a tiny morsel of something in common with Roger De Vlaeminck, other than both of us being left handed and a love of cyclo cross. Seen below, he is racing against Felice Gimondi. Ironically, I raced against Gimondi, albeit, at cyclo cross!! Back in 1977, I was riding cross in the south of France in October to December. The club that I belonged to, Guidon St.Cyprien Blagnac in Toulouse, volunteered a number of riders,including yours truly, in some races. I was in the cyclo cross madison event, that was being held last. This particular race was a team of one pro and one amateur together, and I was teamed up with a 1st year pro, who, as the race went on,became more worried about injuries for the forthcoming season. So I don`t think anyone needs to ask about where I came, other than the lowest position of 10th. Ironically, three of the most well known names that rode this self same event were, Raymond Poulidor, Bernard Hinault, and none other than Felice Gimondi.One thing that still comes to mind about that day, even after nearly thirty years!, was the pre race meal before the event. Most of us were sitting there munching away, when I looked up and saw this tall guy looking down at us smiling, Felice Gimondi had just arrived.

Roger De Vlaeminck of the Brooklyn Team, shares a joke with Felice Gimondi in the World Road Champion jersey.

Through the 1970`s, there were so many magic names of professional cyclists, as well as numerous professional teams. One such team, was the Brooklyn Chewing Gum, that boasted of having the De Vlaeminck Brothers and Patrick Sercu on board.The coming together of the Perfetti Brothers, owners of the Brooklyn Brand, and Gios Cycles of  Torino, brought many headlines through the five years the team operated.

The Original - Gios Torino Bike from the 1970s, fully Campagnolo throughout - pure classic.

Roger De Vlaeminck in his world champion `s jersey of cyclo cross being chased by Cyrille Guimard.

Where the book above has ended up!!! - Belgium, Canada, England, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Italy,Switzerland, Sweden and finally USA

Please note the following; This edition of the book has sold out,however I am working upon a revision taking in more reports,more text,more pictures, subsequently possibly more pages unless I make the book bigger. It will probably be printed upon art paper which will give a significantly sharper appearance to the overall aspect of the Brooklyn team. Of course these items don't come cheap and I visualise a price £ 35 per book at the very minimum.