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Charly Gaul

Federico Bahamontes Stan Ockers, and Roger Walkowiak in the 17th stage of Tour de France 1956

Tour de France visits Turin (Tour de France 1956)

Although the first ever Italian Grand Depart of Tour de France will take place in 2024, the race visited Italy for plenty of times, usually during mountain stages in the Alps. Turin is one of the most visited Italian cities by Tour de France.  In 1956, peloton made a trip to the place in 17th stage, and the next day went back to France. Though the Alps, of course. Meanwhile, Tour de France history, (sort of)  was made. Roger Walkowiak, the French rider, with no other success during his career, took the yellow jersey, and a few days later won the Tour de France. His triumph is often dubbed as “the less deserved victory” in… Read More »Tour de France visits Turin (Tour de France 1956)

Charly Gaul on the Mont Ventoux during the individual time trial at the Tour de France 1958

Vintage cycling image of the day: Charly Gaul on Mont Ventoux

Charly Gaul won the 21 km moutain time trial up to the top of Mont Ventoux at the Tour de France 1958. Although nowadays Mont Ventoux is usually known by its legendary mountain top finishes, on its first three appearances (1951, 1952, 1955) at the Tour de France the peloton crossed the summit only during mid-race. The first opportunity for the cyclists  to triumph on the top of the ascent came in 1958. It was a 21 km long individual mountain time trial. Charly Gaul, the “Angel of the Mountains” was the fastest rider, who jumped from 6th to 3rd position in the GC. He claimed the yellow jersey a few days later and won… Read More »Vintage cycling image of the day: Charly Gaul on Mont Ventoux

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

Charly Gaul on the Monte Bondone (Giro d’Italia 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. It was a cold and rainy day,  the rider were unprepared and underdressed, and the race director was asked again to finish the race earlier, at least a bit earlier than the original plan. The snow started to fall and the temperatures dropped. 60 riders abandoned the race, meanwhile stage winner Charly Gaul jumped from 11th to 1st in the… Read More »Charly Gaul on the Monte Bondone (Giro d’Italia 1956)

4 June 1965 Cima Coppi Was Introduced

Every year the highest peak of the Giro d’Italia is called “Cima Coppi”, in honour of the great cyclist Fausto Coppi (1919-1960). In the inauguration year, the highest peak of the route was Passo dello Stelvio. The race was a real spectacle due to the heavy snowfall. Graziano Battistini crossed the finish line first on that memorable day.