Book about Camiel Thomas, who started bicycle shoemaking in 1922

A gap in the market, as it turned out. His cycling shoes conquered the entire cycling world. Dries De Zaeytijd, author: “He actually started as a rider himself, had received training as a shoemaker. He knew that there was still room for improvement. He made the shoes light, with a hard sole.”

Camiel has a nose for marketing and is developing his company into a household name in the cycling world. Many big names at home and abroad ride with Racing Shoes from Camiel Thomas. All made by hand. “The most famous name was perhaps Tom Simpson, who in the 1960s as a novice rider raced around with shoes ‘Made in Roeselare’. He probably also had Camiel shoes on his feet in the 67 Tour in question. Before the war we are with Gaston Rebry, Félicien Vervaeke. All Belgian top riders drove around with Camiel shoes.” (read more below the photo)

Camiel dies in the early 1960s, but the family business will continue to exist until 2007. In addition to the book, there is also an exhibition in the cycling museum Koers.