Beret worn by Hubert Opperman, 1928. National Museum of Australia. Photo: Jason McCarthy.

Champion long-distance cyclist Hubert Opperman competed in the 1928 Tour de France. He won the support of the French people, who dubbed him ‘le phénomène’ (the phenomenon). He took to wearing berets as a tribute to their support.

More on Hubert Opperman and his beret

Stackhat protective helmet, 1982. National Museum of Australia. Photo: Jason McCarthy.

Australian governments began promoting cycling helmets, particularly for children and teenagers, during the 1980s. The ‘Stackhat’ was released in 1982 and quickly captured the market. At first, the Australian innovation was only available in bright orange (pictured), and the garish, blocky, crash test dummy style of head protection defined cycling for the riders of that decade. Later in the 1980s, the manufacturers yielded to market demand and offered helmets in white, black and pink.

Carradice bicycle panniers belonging to Greg Cunningham, 1990. On loan from Greg Cunningham. Photo: George Serras.

Since the early 1990s, Greg Cunningham has used these panniers on trips in Australia and overseas, including tours of the Canberra region, south-eastern Queensland, Gippsland in Victoria, and a three-week trip from Brisbane to Canberra. From his home in Canberra, Cunningham also organised a popular series of day rides known as ‘Long Riders’, in conjunction with the Australian Capital Territory bicycle advocacy group Pedal Power.

Paris–Brest–Paris Audax jersey (Australian edition), 2003–07, worn by Greg Cunningham during the prestigious 1200-kilometre return ride between Paris and Brest in western France. On loan from Greg Cunningham. Photo: George Serras.

Carbon fibre ‘stump bucket’ belonging to Michael Milton, 2008. On loan from Michael Milton. Photo: George Serras.

At the age of nine, Michael Milton’s left leg was amputated above the knee. After a stellar skiing career, he took up track cycling, using this so-called ‘stump bucket’ to stabilise his leg and help him exert more force. Milton won two gold medals at the 2008 Australian Track Cycling Championships and competed at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.

Carbon fibre leg brace, 2009. Donated by Sue Powell. National Museum of Australia. Photo: George Serras.

In 2007, Sue Powell suffered a herniation of a vertebral disc and took up cycling to help with her recovery. She is now a world champion. Powell wears a brace to stabilise her lower leg and transfer power from her upper leg to the pedal.

Skinsuit worn at the Paralympic Games, London, 2012. Donated by Sue Powell. National Museum of Australia. Photo: George Serras.

Sue Powell, a multiple world champion medallist, won gold in the three-kilometre individual pursuit (C4 classification) and silver in the road race at the 2012 Paralympics.