The 1970s were a defining era in French cycling, marked by innovation and passion. A standout example from this period is the Peugeot PY10CP, a racing bicycle crafted in the exclusive Atelier Prestige Peugeot. This bicycle was ridden by Bernard Thévenet, one of France’s most prominent cyclists, during some of his greatest victories.
Atelier Prestige Peugeot: Craftsmanship at the Highest Level
In 1974, Peugeot founded the Atelier Prestige Peugeot, a specialized workshop within the company dedicated to producing high-quality racing bicycles. Unlike mass production models, frames were meticulously handmade here to meet the exacting standards of professional cycling. The Atelier Prestige Peugeot was comparable to Bianchi’s Reparto Corse or Raleigh’s Specialist Bicycle Development Unit (SBDU).
The Peugeot PY10 CP: Technical Details and Special Features
The PY10CP was the flagship model from the Atelier Prestige Peugeot and featured the following characteristics:
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Frame material: Reynolds 531, renowned for its lightness and strength
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Brakes: Mafac Competition with brazed-on mounts — a rare and innovative solution at the time, found on only a few models of the era
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Derailleurs: Simplex Super LJ, gold anodized, paired with Retrofriction shifters
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Crankset: Stronglight 93, one of the lightest and most reliable of its time
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Wheels: Mavic Monthlery rims with Maillard 700 hubs
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Handlebar and stem: Cinelli Giro d’Italia handlebars paired with a Cinelli 1A stem
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Saddle: Ideale 2002, renowned for comfort and durability
A distinctive feature of the PY10CP was its customizability. Customers could choose from various components to configure their bicycle according to personal preferences.
Bernard Thévenet: Career and Achievements
Bernard Thévenet was born on January 10, 1948, in Saint-Julien-de-Civry. He began his professional career in 1970 with the Peugeot-BP-Michelin team and stayed with Peugeot until 1979 before moving to Teka (1980) and later Puch-Wolber (1981).
Career highlights:
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1975 Tour de France: Thévenet ended Eddy Merckx’s dominance and won the Tour, riding a silver Peugeot PY10CP
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1977 Tour de France: He won again, finishing 48 seconds ahead of Hennie Kuiper
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Other successes: Victories at the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré (1975, 1976), French National Road Race Champion (1973), and Tour de Romandie winner (1972)
Thévenet was known for his climbing abilities and fighting spirit — qualities that made him one of the outstanding riders of his generation.
The PY10CP Today: A Coveted Collector’s Item
Today, the Peugeot PY10CP is considered one of the most sought-after vintage racing bicycles. Its connection to Bernard Thévenet and the high-quality craftsmanship make it a prized item for collectors and enthusiasts of classic road bikes. Especially models with original components and in good condition fetch high prices on the market.
Conclusion
The Peugeot PY10 CP from the Atelier Prestige Peugeot is more than just a bicycle; it is a symbol of an era in cycling where craftsmanship and passion took center stage. Bernard Thévenet’s successes on this model underline the quality and significance of this extraordinary racing bicycle. For lovers of classic bicycles, the PY10CP remains a milestone in cycling history.