5 facts about Tour de France 1947

It was the first  edition of Tour de France since 1939.

1947 was the firt time L’Equipe (founded in 1946) organized the race.

Tour de France 1947 was still a cycling race competed by national teams. The Germans were not invited. Because technically France and Italy were still in war with each other (the peace treaty between the two states came into general effect only in September that year), a Franco-Italian team with riders living in France represented Italy at the race.

In the 14 stage between Carcassone and Luchon Albert Bourlon broke away almost inmediatelly after the start and managed to reach the finish line first after riding alone more than 250 km. This is the longest successful solo escape in the post World War II history of Tour de France.

Jean Robic, the winner of Tour de France 1947 managed to take the lead in the general classification only in the very last stage of the race. That made him the first rider to win the race without wearing the yellow jersey since the introduction of the famous kit in 1919.


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5 facts about Tour de France 1947

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