DREAM MACHINES

A taster event for next year’s relocated Eroica Britannia – from the Peak District to Goodwood – saw an eclectic fleet of rare steeds convene at the motor circuit in the South Downs

If you’re a bike spotter, there’s no better opportunity than the Eroica Britannia for feasting your eyes on collectable machines.

In 2022 the event, for pre-1987 bikes, moves from its home in the Peak District to Goodwood, the famous motor circuit set in the South Downs – and of course where the 1982 UCI World Championships were held.

We went to the taster event, which was rammed with all kinds of classic, vintage and historic bicycles. In fact there was so much beautiful steel on display that it was hard to choose a ‘best in show’ – so we’ve chosen our favourite seven.

1982 Colnago Mexico

Giuseppe Saronni won the World Championships at Goodwood in 1982 on a Colnago almost identical to this one.

The bike is equipped with a period correct Campagnolo Super Record groupset complete with a pantographed chainring and Super Record pedals. Its owner, Rohan Dubash, had owned the chainset, seatpin and rear derailleur since 1982 but had to source ‘new old stock’ levers and reported that they cost a small fortune.

The Concor saddle is synonymous with Saronni’s win and there was even a rumour that he was paid by San Marco in saddles, because the following year there wasa massive glut of Concors available, very heavily discounted, dumped into the market without explanation.

The wheels are the only nod to practicality. Saronni would have used tubular rims and Clement Criterium silk tubs – but these clincher wheels and tan-wall tyres still look the part.