Want to ride like a pro cyclist? Now you can ride in style just like Tour de France pros with your own gran fondo custom team van modeled on the multi-million dollar big rigs used by professional teams – including an Italian espresso machine.
Volkswagen in partnership with CJL Leisure Vehicles in the UK recently built a one-of-a-kind VW Transporter conversion for amateur cyclist and professional cycling team chef Alan Murchison. The custom cycling van checks every box – comfortable chairs, restful sleeping beds, covert cycle storage and full kitchen – including a stunning La Marzocco espresso machine.
The unique Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 conversion includes features for both luxury camping and premium cycling. Ideal for weekend gran fondo trips and training stints in the high mountains. It comes with storage for five bikes in a sealed wet room with a high pressure washer, air compressor and tool storage, a 40-liter top-loading fridge to chill post-ride beer and a sink with a fold-out gas stove to whip up pre-ride pasta.
“In order to travel across Europe, I need a vehicle that is suitable for long-distance travel in comfort, with ample storage space to support elite athlete nutrition combined with the ability to deliver a superb double espresso,” Murchison said after taking delivery of his new wheels. “The brilliant use of space allows for truly premium facilities that comfortably meet all my needs; it finds solutions for problems I didn’t know I had!”
The T6.1 Transporter also features a Rapha gran fondo inspired graphics package and plenty of power via a 3,000-watt inverter and two batteries hooked up to a 350-watt solar panel. That’s enough power for a full kitchen, including the La Marzocco Linea Mini coffee machine and grinder to make plenty of pre-ride espressos.
A well known restauranteur, Murchison has spent more than 25 years running Michelin-starred restaurants, but he is also a passionate fan of cycling where he works as a chef for pro cycling teams, rides amateur events and is a world duathlon champion.
Volkswagen and CJL Leisure Vehicles have not released the cost Murchinson’s one-off custom Transporter, but it is rumored to be above £100,000.
Is this the ultimate gran fondo accessory?
Without a doubt.
PHOTOS: Performance Chef, Volkswagen, CJL Leisure Vehicles
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