Robert Jacquinot, the protagonist of one of the most iconic cycling images in the pre-WW2 period was born in 1893.
Jacquinot attended the Tour de France 7 times between 1919 and 1925 but finished only once in 1923.
Nevertheless, he had some success during his career as a cyclist. He won 4 stages (2 in 1922 and other 2 in 1923) and managed to wear the yellow jersey for 3 days in 1922 and one day in 1923.
In 1922 he started strong, won the first and the third stage. As a leader of the general classification, he punctured three times on the 4th stage. Eugéne Christophe was the new leader.
The legendary picture Jacquinot eating at a cafe was taken during the 482 km long 5th stage between Les Sables d’Olonne and Bayonne. He abandoned the race the next day.
Robert Jacquinot passed away in 1980.