Allez Allez! 12 Fab Finds to Show Your Love of... | Spencer Thorpe Blog

Allez Allez! 12 Fab Finds to Show Your Love of... | Spencer Thorpe Blog

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What better way to show your love of the Tour de France (other than going there, or riding a sportive) than buying a couple of velo-related pieces to decorate your man or woman cave? Benjamin shows us how…

Allez! Allez!

The prestigious Tour de France is one of the oldest organised cycling races in the world. Since the very first edition in 1903, this 21-day race through France has been getting hearts pumping. For cycling fans, the multi-stage race over 3500 kilometres is the pinnacle of competitive international cycling. Many of those fans are weekend warriors themselves, taking to country trails or city bike paths for one of the world’s favourite amateur sports and leisure activities.

Un vrai domestique

Now your domestic decor can reflect your passion for two-wheeled exercise. We’ve found a clutch of fun items inspired by cycling in general, and the Tour de France in particular. Note the colour palette – red, white and blue are the national colours of France; bright yellow with black accents are the tones most associated with Tour de France participants and their eye-popping jerseys. Perfect for a casual den, office or man (woman) cave, they’ll also help create an excellent atmosphere for watching all those superhero cyclists battle mountainous terrain, the elements, and each other – on the big screen television.

Polka dot, or maillot jaune?

It doesn’t take much to get the message across. Even small items such as the mugs you sip coffee from can broadcast your special interest. Take this graphic mug featuring that iconic yellow. £13.50

Crossbar optional

The couple that cycles together, stays together. We also love these his and hers cycling mugs from John Lewis. £5

Chopper

This miniature bike model makes a rather adorable conversation piece. A faithful scaled down replica of a real bike, it would look great atop a shelving unit or entertainment centre. This 70s “chopper” model is in bright orange for a slightly more badass hit of colour. £50

The Route Prints

These A2 giclee prints from London’s iconic Look Mum No Hands feature the essence of some of the most iconic theatres in cycling, the roads on which the greats fought and reputations were forged. Iconic mountains, fabulous scenery and beautiful styling. We love the orange and blue of the Ronde, but of course Ventoux is better suited to the Tour! £40

Shut Up Legs!

We’ve also some some great aspirational wall art. A favourite message – shut up, legs! – familiar to almost anyone who rides, adorns this Sassan Filsoof digital print. £85

Think of the hills

Tour de France yellow makes this limited edition giclee print on 100% cotton rag paper by Bristol based artist Lisa Takahashi an energetic accent for any wall. £225

Ride with the pack

For a more abstract allusion to cycle love (and one that will handily go with any existing style of decor or colour palette), we like this dynamic cast iron wall sculpture depicting a pack of racing cyclists crouched into the wind. £100

OK that’s enough for the armchair and weekend cycle buffs; we’ve found some things for those who take riding a bike seriously – those who use their bikes to commute or belong to a local touring club.

Take it outside

This bike shed is a practical solution for storing your wheels. Tucked into a garden or patio, it will shelter your trusty ride from the elements and thieves. Sturdy, good-looking and lockable, this bike store can accommodate two adult size bikes and assorted accessories. £339

And finally, because we know what you need, this puncture repair kit makes a great gift for the yourself or the cyclist in your life. Cold patches, tyre levers and adhesive makes this one elegant tin box of usefulness. £10

Enthusiasm for cycling always reaches a fever pitch in July. That’s when the super athletes of the Tour de France (and the other great distance bike races taking place in Europe) show us all what grit and determination on two wheels actually looks like. And that’s when we’ve dusted off our bikes, be they humble fixies or 16-gear war machines, and fallen in love with riding all over again. The cycling season is short, but you can keep the passion going with a few decorative reminders all year long.

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