Tour de France 1911 Archives

10 July 1911 The first mountain stage in the Alps at Tour de France

30 October 202310 July 2023 by PelotonTales

For the first time in Tour de France history Col du Galibier is climbed in the 5th stage at Tour de France 1911

After the introduction of the Pyrenees to the race in 1910, the next big challenge of Tour de France was how to include the “giants of the Alps” into the program. The story behind using Galibier, Thelegraphe, Aravis, and Lautarer was far less dramatic than the organizers’ first encounter with Col du Tourmalet. Nevertheless, the … Read more

5 facts about Tour de France 1911

1 March 202320 February 2023 by PelotonTales

Gustave Garrigou climbing the Aubisque at Tour de France 1911

After frequent visits to Alsace-Lorraine since 1906, the German authorities did not allow the race to cross the border anymore. The tension before World War I was growing already. The Alps were intorduced to the race, Col du Galibier became Henri Desgrange’s favourite climb. In the 9th stage Maurice Brocco was disqualified for serving another … Read more

Drunk from a poisoned bottle, lost the Tour de France

19 February 202318 February 2023 by PelotonTales

French cyclist and 2nd in overall, Paul Duboc at a checkpoint at Tour de France 1911

The early history of Tour de France is full with strange stories. Not necessarily great stories, sometimes quite unpleasant ones, as it, for example, happened at the 9th edition (1911) of the famous French grand tour. Paul Duboc (1884-1941) rode Tour de France twice (1908 and 1909) before, and earned some success (a stage victory … Read more

Points system in general classification at the Tour de France (1905-1912)

29 January 2023 by PelotonTales

Cyclists at the first stage of the Tour de France 1905

Between 1905 and 1912 points decided who is the best rider of the peloton. The first cyclist to cross the finish line received 1 point. Other cyclists received one point more than the cyclist who passed the line directly before him, plus an additional point for every five minutes between them, with a maximum of … Read more

Vintage cycling image of the day: checkpoint at Tour de France 1911

14 December 2022 by PelotonTales

Paul Duboc was one of the favourite of the Tour de France in 1911. Here youcan see him at one of the official checkpoints of the race. Paul Duboc (1884-1941) rode Tour de France twice (1908 and 1909) before, and earned some success (a stage victory and 4h place in overall in 1909) already, when … Read more

Faces from the peloton: Paul Duboc (1884-1941)

15 December 202223 November 2022 by PelotonTales

The cyclist, who is mostly remembered by being poisoned at the Tour de France in 1911. Paul Duboc (1884-1941) competed as a professional rider between 1907 and 1927. He won 5 Tour de France stages (one in 1909 and four in 1911) his best result in the general classification was a 2nd place. In 1909 … Read more

Where the cycling term “domestique” came from?

13 July 202124 July 2020 by PelotonTales

“C’EST UN DOMESTIQUE” He is just a servant. This was Henri Desgrange’s opinion about Maurice Brocco, who offered his services to help other riders at the Tour de France in 1911.