Admiral and the 1980 Tour de France winners

The Tour de France is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest tests of endurance and strategy in sport, set in the picturesque landscapes of France. Among its legendary editions, is the 1980 Tour, in which Joop Zoetemelk with his formidable TI–Raleigh–Creda team won the Tour de France wearing Admiral jerseys.⁠

In 1980, the Tour de France celebrated its 67th edition, drawing elite cyclists from around the world. Among them was Joop Zoetemelk, a Dutch rider renowned for his consistency and resilience, having finished second in the Tour five times before. This year, Zoetemelk was supported by the TI–Raleigh–Creda team, a dominant force in cycling during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Managed by Peter Post, the team was celebrated for its strategic brilliance and exceptional time-trial capabilities across various terrains.

The 1980 Tour de France began in Frankfurt, Germany, and covered a total distance of 3,842 kilometres over 22 stages. From the outset, the TI–Raleigh–Creda team displayed their tactical and physical prowess by securing victories in both the split Stage Two team time-trial and the individual race, courtesy of Jan Raas.

As the tour left Germany behind and headed into France the team had put their general classification rider, Joop Zoetemelk, within touching distance of the lead. However, it was his domestique, Jan Raas, who gained the headlines in the first half of The Tour. The Dutch rider, who had won the prestigious Tour of Flanders the previous season, was in great form as he claimed both Stage 7 and 9, showing the rest of the peloton his powerful riding capabilities.

As Jan Raas rode for his leader he faded slightly and at the Stage 11 individual time trial Joop Zoetemelk started his charge for the maillot jaune, closing the gap on the leader Bernard Hinault to just 20 seconds. With the pressure on, Hinault was forced to quit the race due to a knee injury, and Zoetemelk jumped at the chance to gain the lead. At Stage 13, which was a brutal 198 km ride featuring two Hors category climbs on the way to Bagnères-de-Luchon, Zoetemelk pushed into the lead and with his teammates heroic efforts defended the yellow jersey all the way through to final stage, finishing on the famous Champs-Élysées as Tour de France champion.

Zoetemelk's victory was not just a result of individual brilliance but also a testament to the cohesive teamwork exemplified by TI–Raleigh–Creda. As testament to this teamwork the team picked up the overall team points award which further emphasised the team's dominance at the 1980 Tour.

The 1980 Tour de France marks a significant moment in the history of the Admiral brand and cements our legacy on the world stage across multiple sports. The achievements of that TI–Raleigh–Creda team continue to inspire and their collective efforts not only secured a memorable victory but also left an indelible mark on the history of the Tour de France.