Odile Defraye was the first Belgian cyclist to win the Tour. Moreover, he was the first Belgian having a serious chance to win the race, so all Belgians in the race, regardless of their team, were helping him. Which, of course, made Henri Desgrange quite furious. Originally, Gustave Garrigou, winner of the previous edition was … Read more
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
The first Belgian Tour de France winner, who meant to be the first Belgian Tour de France winner. Odiel Defraeye was born on 14th July 1888, his professional career started in 1909. He was the protégé of the Belgian star cyclist Cyrille van Hauwaert, who was hoping Defraeye would be the first Belgian Tour de … Read more