After over two decades away from the event, French clothing manufacturer Le Coq Sportif is making a return to the Tour de France. It will once again sponsor the yellow jersey in the race, replacing the current supplier Nike.
According to French media sources, ASO and Le Coq Sportif confirmed the news today. The company will also back the other jersey in the race, namely the green jersey for best sprinter, the polka dot jersey for best climber and the white jersey of best young rider.
The association will extend beyond the Tour de France into other ASO events, including Paris-Nice, the Critérium du Dauphiné, Paris-Roubaix and more. There are also suggestions that the Vuelta a España’s jerseys may also be supplied by the company; ASO is involved in running the Spanish Grand Tour.
Le Coq Sportif first became involved in an official capacity back in 1951, and its jerseys have been worn by many of the greats in the sport. Five time winners Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault and Eddy Merckx donned Maillots Jaunes adorned with the emblem, as did the other race winners. The association ended after the 1988 race when Castelli stepped in. Giordana later took over, prior to Nike becoming involved in 1996.
The American company has remained on board since then, with its jerseys being worn during Lance Armstrong’s seven-race winning streak between 1999 and 2005.
It is not yet clear why Nike’s association has ended. It remains to be seen if this could be linked to Armstrong’s retirement, the current federal investigation into professional cycling, or any other such factors.
For Le Coq Sportif, though, it’s good news, as the brand will once again adorn a global icon.