Aubisque

Felicien Vervaecke’s bad luck (Tour de France 1936)

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Felicien Vervaecke Tourmalet Tour de France 1936

A  Tour de France stage in the Pyrenees (especially, when it includes the big four, Peyresourde, Auspin, Aubisque and Tourmalet) always provides stories to tell. Belgian rider Felicien Vervaecke won the mountain competition of Tour de France twice, in 1935 and 1937. Before the 16th stage (Peyresourde, Tourmalet, Aspin, Aubisque) in 1936, he was 4 … Read more

17 July 1951 Wim van Est’s crash on the Aubisque

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Wim van Est after he fell into a 70 meter deep ravine in the 13th stage of Tour de France 1951

On the 12th stage of Tour de France 1951 Wim van Est escaped with a small group, won the stage and took the lead in the general classification. He was the first Dutchman to wear the yellow jersey. Next day the peloton arrived in the Pyrenees. The 201 km 13th long stage between Dax and … Read more

Eddy Merckx’s epic solo ride in the Pyrenees

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Eddy Merckx Tour de France 1969

Before the 17th stage of Tour de France 1969 Eddy Merckx’s first overall victory was almost secured. He led the general classification with more than 8 minutes. The 214, 5 km long stage between Luchon and Mourenx included the “big four” ascents of the Pyrenees: Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet, Aubisque. Eddy Merckx (Faema) attacked right before … Read more

2 July 1963 Jacques Anquetil won the stage in the Pyrenees (Tour de France)

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This was Anquetil first ever mountain stage victory at the Tour de France, although he has already won the race three times.   

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