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Roger Walkowiak

Nicolas Frantz on the Col d'Allos at the Tour de France in 1927

Tour de France editions without previous winners in the peloton

During its 120-year long history, it happened only three times, when the peloton of Tour de France did not includ any previous winner. Obviously, in 1903 there couldn’t be any, because it was the very first edition. In 1927, it seems to have been a generational change in the peloton of Tour de France. Several riders, who were successful before and right after the First World War has retired. A!so, sadly,  double TDF-winner Ottavio Bottecchia (1924 and 1925) was beaten during a training ride in June 1927 so seriously that he died a few days later. The exact circumstances of his death are still unclear. Tour de France 1956 was a bit different story. Allegedly,… Read More »Tour de France editions without previous winners in the peloton

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)