Concours d’Elégance
The OldVelos ‘Concours d’Elegance’ is an opportunity for enthusiasts to show and compare their prized bicycles in a fun event and to possibly take home the coveted original ‘Longford Vintage Tractor Spares‘ perpetual trophy. This year the winners in each category will receive a metal Oldvelos printed sign (in the fashion of the old style enamel advertising signs) like the ones below
Category criteria
Original: The paint, decals and any chrome must be original. The components can be original or period correct replacements. Wear and tear items (tyres, brake pads, bar tape, cables and cable housings) are allowed but should be similar to the originals.
Restored: The frame has been repainted and/or re-chromed with new decals. The components can be original or period correct replacements. Wear and tear items (tyres, brake pads, bar tape, cables and cable housings) are allowed but should be similar to the originals.
Best French: Highest scoring French marque.
Best Dutch & Belgian: Highest scoring Dutch or Belgian marque.
Best Italian: Highest scoring Italian marque.
Best UK & Ireland: Highest scoring UK & Ireland marque.
People Choice: Any bike, anything goes, the people vote!
Best Neo-retro: Any vintage bike customized with new parts, etc
The judging has a strong subjective element. So as long as nobody takes this too seriously (for instance no appeals of judge’s decisions are allowed) and everyone comes to enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded enthusiasts, this event will be a success.
All entries are marked out of a total score of 100. Points will be awarded as follows with deductions for any flaws, incorrect components, errors etc.
Frame paint and finish: 25 points
Component finish: 25 points
Period correctness: 25 points
Mechanical condition: 25 points
Entries
You must be a registered participant in the Vintage Classic to be eligible to enter bikes for the Concours. Entries will be taken on Saturday June 27th up to 1.30pm. All bicycles must be ready for judging by 2.00 pm on Saturday June 27th. All bicycles entered must be in operational condition and preferably clean.
This is called a Concours d’Elegance, but unlike serious car shows we don’t believe that a bike is not going to be ridden. Bikes will be judged on historical significance (if any), originality of parts, rarity, visual appeal, and for bikes that are restored on the accuracy of the restoration. All bikes in each category are evaluated by the same judges so that the awarding of points is consistent.
The judging has a strong subjective element. So as long as nobody takes this too seriously it should be an enjoyable event. There have been some surprise winners in previous years so leave it to the judges to decide what bike should win. Everyone is in with a chance so get out the polishing rags and Autosol !
