The year was 2004.
Years later, in 2017, I found them in the saddest clearance one can make. Having decided to participate at L’Étape du Tour – that year summiting Izoard – one of those events we always promised we would do together, I felt I should take them there.
I wrote Rapha, told them the story albeit without great hope and, after sending some photos, I got an e-mail completely out of norm by todays’ standards: ‘I think they could possibly be repaired as they are very similar to the latter GT gloves and fabric swatches from that item could be matched. Send them in.’
I couldn’t really believe. Went straight to the post office to send them and, a few weeks later, to collect them back.
Of course my passion for bikes goes way beyond Rapha, but it has also became about Rapha.
The gloves, thay also came with me to L’Eroica Chianti a few years later. But that is for another time.
For now, I’d just like to express my gratitude.
Thank you Rapha, thank you Stan!