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Roger Lapebie

Roger Lapêbie, winner of the Tour de France 1937

25 July 1937 Roger Lapébie wins the Tour de France

The 31st Tour de France (held between 30th June and 25th July 1937) was the first race for the new director Jacques Goddet.  Since the beginning in 1903, Henri Desgrange, the “founding father of Tour de France” was the race director, now he has retired. He still visited the race frequently untill his death in 1940. The Tour de France in 1937 has not the best reputation. Actually,  it was marred by scandals.  The rules were changed, while the race was underway and they favoured the French team. No wonder, that the Belgian team, including the defending champion and the current man in the yellow, Sylvére Maes left the race. The 31th Tour de France… Read More »25 July 1937 Roger Lapébie wins the Tour de France

French Tour de France winner Roger Lapebie crossing the railway during the scandalous edition of Tour de France in 1937

The most scandalous Tour de France ever

The first Tour de France without Henri Desgrange in charge since the creation of the event in 1903 didn’t go down well in the history of road cycling at all.   In 1937 Jacques Goddet was full in charge and with him came the first big change: it was the first time when gear change was allowed. Each team had its own car with extra material to help with mechanical problems. On the other hand, this was the last time riders without a team could attend the race. Nevertheless, these type of riders played an important role in this particular edition. This was the 31st edition, held between 30 June and 25 July in 1937.… Read More »The most scandalous Tour de France ever

Mini Cycling Who’s Who: Roger Lapébie

Roger Lapebie was born on the 16th of January 1911 in Bayonne (France). He made his Tour de France debut with a stage win (Stage 12) in 1932. He was part of the French national team again in the two subsequent years. In 1934 he won five stages and finished third in the general classification. Roger Lapebie was infamous for his conflict with Henri Desgrange, the founding father of the Tour de France.  Due to this feud, the cyclist, despite his promising performance, wasn’t selected into the national team, and he rode as an independent rider.  He skipped the race next year. No wonder, that his biggest success, the winning of the Tour de France… Read More »Mini Cycling Who’s Who: Roger Lapébie