Every child has their heros, but back in 2016 our 6-year old ‘Mini-Froome’ Fraser only had one, Chris Froome...
From chasing the Tour every year to watching any Team Sky footage he could find, he loved it - racing Road and Cyclo-cross himself from the age of 4, he was a mad-keen little cyclist: "...I'm going to ride for Team Sky one day mum."
Every evening after watching the TdF coverage, he was desperate to jump on his little bike, in his yellow jersey. The evening after Chris’ now famous aero tuck on the descent into stage 8, Luchon, when he took the yellow jersey - was even more inspirational, Fraser copying his hero for a few seconds, before dad’s screaming couldn’t be ignored.
Fast forward 6 years and Chris finding out the parents and the little boy (now chief test pilot) who copied his aero tuck, had since created the HUPcc brand specialising in custom-built bikes for kids and small adults, was quite a coincidence!
In 2016 the industry didn’t provide much for small riders, so HUP Competition Cycling began in 2016 launching handmade Italian clothing, child-specific components, carbon wheels and CX, road, triathlon, gravel, track & MTB bikes.
After discussing their requirements, we were more than happy to custom-build bikes for Chris’ children: a 37cm (700c) HUP evo for his 7-year old son and a prototype HUP evo 24 for his 5-year old daughter. Chris specified the components for use on road and gravel, including rider-sized cranks and handlebars, plus our hand-built carbon wheelsets. Both bikes are lightweight at just under 7.5kg, with gearing suitable for the Cote d’Azur.
Fraser couldn’t turn down the invitation for him and his big brother to travel to Monaco, meet Chris and head out into the hills around the French Riviera for a ride up the Col de la Madone, an old training haunt for Team Sky. Probably not the best idea after Mont Ventoux the day before, but thankfully Chris took it easy on us! During a cafe stop and some insights into the pro lifestyle, Chris presented Fraser with his signed 2016 TDF yellow jersey, which was very special. With Fraser loving his Enduro and Downhill these days, comment of the day was: “…he descends pretty quick!”. A big day on the bike in the mountains for our little rider.
After the Froome family’s first ride, Chris added “…the bikes are a HUGE hit with the kids, and there is definitely room to grow into with both of them, so these bikes will serve for a good few years!”
Big thanks to Chris for a great day on the bike and the ride of a lifetime for our superfan. It's often overlooked, the effect pro athletes have influencing the next generation. With Fraser in love with cycling just as much as he was back in 2016, the legacy is clear to see. We hope you enjoy some memorable cycling with your family on their HUP bikes.
...and yes, he's still in that 'wheelie' phase...HUP, HUP, HUP!
ITV4 highlights from back in 2016, stage 8 and 6-yr old Fraser ‘Mini-Froome’ MacArthur’s ‘aero-tuck’ @ 2mins 20sec…
6-year old Fraser's aero-tuck...
12-year old Fraser in 2022, still loving life on 2-wheels, helping to develop the HUPcc bike brand...
About HUP Competition Cycling: Born in Belgium | Designed in the UK | Ridden Worldwide
In 2016 HUPcc began by creating race-specific, rider-sized components (drop bars, cranks, saddles and stems) and handmade Italian lycra clothing. In 2019, we added superlight bike frames and wheelsets in both Youth and Adult sizes. Each bike can be customised for the rider, creating the ultimate experience through correct bike fit and genuinely low weights, whilst remaining affordable. With bikes on every continent and 1000's of podiums - the brand has revolutionised the custom-build race market.
Join the ride: #HUPcc #TeamHUP #HUPbikes HUPcc.com | Instagram | YouTube | FaceBook
Thanks to @cjm_visuals for the photography in Monaco.