Iconic cycling moments

Jesper Skibby’s crash on the Koppenberg (Ronde van Vlaanderen 1987)

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Ronde van Vlaanderen 1987 - the danish rider Jesper Skibby crashed on Kopenberg

In 1987, Skibby rode solo at the head of the race, when he reached Koppenberg. He had an advantage of two minutes, but climbing the hill he became slower and slower and the peloton came closer. The car of the race commissaire followed Skibby so close, that when they wanted to move away, the car … Read more

5 iconic vintage Tour de France images showing cycling was different in the 1920s

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Lucien Buysee in the Pyrenees on the 20th stage of Tour de France 1926

The one and a half century long history of road cycling races witnessed plenty of changes in material circumstances and lifestyle. Being a sport event organized at the places of the everday life, road cycling has also a unique connection to the world outside the competitions. The smoking cyclists  Smoking is unhealthy and uncool, right? … Read more

Fausto Coppi filming Louison Bobet (Tour de France 1953)

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The tourist Fausto Coppi filming Louison Bobrt on the Col d'Izoard at the Tour de France 1953

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 … Read more

Federico Bahamontes on the Galibier (Tour de France 1954)

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Fedrico Bahamontes solo on the Galibier on the 19th stage of Tour de France 1954

Federico Bahamontes rode Tour de France for the very first time in 1954. He was picked for the Tour 1954 by Julián Berredero, the director of the Spanish team (and King of the Mountains 1936) in previous summer already. The real race for Bahamontes started in the Pyrenees.  On the 12th stage, which included Tourmalet, … Read more

Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond on the top of L’Alpe d’Huez (Tour de France 1986)

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Vintage image of cyclists on the top of the hill riding side by side hand in hand.

Alpe d’Huez witnessed plenty of legendary moments since its introduction to the Tour de France in 1952. One of them is the famous 18th stage in 1986,  when Bernard Hinault and Greg LeMond reached the top hand in hand.

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Eddy Merckx on the cobbles (Paris-Roubaix 1970)

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Eddy Merckx Paris-Roubwix reckon 1970

The picture was taken on a training ride before Paris-Roubaix in 1970. Eddy Merckx earned his first Paris-Roubaix victory in 1968.  Next year he became second. The 68th edition of the “Hell of the North”  on the 12th April in 1970 witnessed his second triumph. Merckx also won the race in 1973.

Charly Gaul on the Monte Bondone (Giro d’Italia 1956)

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Iconic snow images at the Giro d'Italia Charly Gaul on the Monte Bondone 1956

Cycling in extreme weather: Charly Gaul on the famous stage 20 up to Monte Bondone at the Giro d’Italia 1956   Race director Vincenzo Torriani was asked to cancel the stage due to the rough weather conditions were forecasted. But he declined it, he may have thought, this could make the unexciting race exciting again. … Read more

Aldo Moser on the Stelvio (Giro d’Italia 1965)

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Passo dello Stelvio (Stelvio Pass) is a 2757 m high pass in the Alps. The ascent was introduced to the Giro d’Italia in 1953. That stage was won by Fausto Coppi

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