There is a simple reason, why Alpe d’Huez was introduced to the Tour de France only in 1952, while the race visited the Alps since 1911 frequently: there is only one way up to the top, hence the stage must be finished there. But the concept of a hilltop finish wasn’t born yet. Indeed, the … Read more
1952 was an extraordinary year in the history of Tour de France, not only because the terrific performance of Fausto Coppi. But also, it was the first time, when a Tour de France stage ended on the top of the ascent: this was the legendary debut of Alpe d’Huez. The program of the 39th Tour de … Read more
With its introduction to Tour de France in 1952, Alpe d’Huez became one the most iconic ascents of the race instantly. Although it has a shorter history than the big giants like Col du Galibier or Col d’Izoard, there are plenty moments worth to remember.
Let’s see five really iconic moments from the common history of Alpe d’Huez and Tour de France.
Although smaller climbs were parts of the program since the beginning, and both the Pyrenees (1910) and the Alps (1911) were intruduced to the race during the pre-WW1 period, there were no hilltop finishes at the Tour de France till 1952. Alpe d’Huez ( in the Western Alps) was a ski station in the first … Read more
Tour de France winner Jean Robic was born on the 10th of June in 1921 in Vouziers, France. His professional career started in the middle of the 2nd World War in 1943. In 1944 he finished Paris-Roubaix with a fractured skull. After this event, he started wearing a leather helmet which became later something like … Read more
The Tour de France in 1952 was all about Fausto Coppi. The Campionissimo dominated the race to such an extent, that the organizers had to double the prize money for the second place to make the competition less boring. But Coppi took the yellow jersey only after his triumph on Alpe d’Huez. On the day, … Read more