Defending champion Fausto Coppi didn’t attend the Tour de France in 1953. He was rather preparing for the World Championships. However, he trained in the Alps during July. So, he visited the Tour de France as a tourist.
During the 1950s, there was a unique 4-man group in the peloton, later called the “G4” by Jean Bobet (Louison’s brother): Louison Bobet, Fausto Coppi, Hugo Koblet and Ferdi Kübler, the superstar riders with modest origin, who became rich and enjoyed fine clothes, fast cars and the high life of the wealthiests.
Coppi knew Louison Bobet quite well, he also knew which stage suits the Frenchman the best. This was the 165 km long etap in the Alps between Gap and Briançon, including Col de Vars and Col d’Izoard.
From the group of the favourites, Jesus Loroño attacked on the Col de Vars, Louison Bobet went after him. He left behind the Spaniard on the descend of the climb and caught up with the original breakaway group of the day at the front of the race, including French rider Adolphe Deledda, who was able to help his teammate for a while.
On the ascent of Izoard, Bobet saw Coppi, even waved to him, then he delivered his legendary downhill ride to the finish town Briançon. At the end of the day, he earned 12 minutes on Jean Malléjac,who was riding in yellow that day.
After the stage Bobet become the new race leader. He extended his lead on the 20th stage (individual time trial) and won the Tour de France that year.
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