DISRAELI DOCUMENTS

Jan Raas - 1978 photo

Jan Raas - photo 1978 main image

Jan Raas, Dutch, 1952 -

Jan Raas was another of that generation of Dutch cyclists who were so successful in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was World Road Race Champion in 1979, won 10 stages in the Tour, 4 'Monuments' and his beloved Amstel Gold Race 5 times.

I believe that he used a Campagnolo Super Record derailleur to win his World Championship.

This fine photo features Jan Raas, sporting a TI-Raleigh cap, at the 1978 Tour de France. I have particularly chosen it because it clearly shows Jan's famous drilled spectacle lenses. As one of the all-time-great, myopic, professional cyclists, Jan was, supposedly, plagued by his glasses becoming fogged. His cunning solution was to resort to optical drillium - to provide cooling air flow - and just think of the weight saving.

This is one of two images of Jan Raas on this site, the other is here.

(Source nationaalarchief.nl Dutch National Archive)


Jan Raas - photo 1978 main image