A Tour de France stage in the Pyrenees (especially, when it includes the big four, Peyresourde, Auspin, Aubisque and Tourmalet) always provides stories to tell. Belgian rider Felicien Vervaecke won the mountain competition of Tour de France twice, in 1935 and 1937. Before the 16th stage (Peyresourde, Tourmalet, Aspin, Aubisque) in 1936, he was 4 … Read more
When Jacques Anquetil won Vuelta a Espana on 15th May, he became the first rider in the history of cycling to win all three Grand Tours at least one time. When he managed to win also the Tour de France that year, he became the first rider to make the Vuelta-Tour double. By the way, … Read more
The 36th Tour de France was held between 20 June and 24 July 1949. The route was divided into 21 stages and included 4808 km. This was the first time the race visited Spain (9th stage). They also took a trip to Belgium and Italy. The Tour de France in 1949 was one of the … Read more
Hippolyte Aucouturier, one of the most iconic riders in the early days of road cycling races, was born on the 17th October in 1876 in La Celle (France). Aucouturier won Paris-Roubaix among a rather chaotic circumstances in 1903. During the early years of the race, riders traditionally changed their bikes at the entrance of the … Read more
The first edition of the Tour de France in 1903 was a big success. Not only for the L’Auto, which was able to increase its sell numbers but for all the cycling fans in France. But the growing popularity of the event caused some unexpected issues right at the second edition of the race in … Read more
Col du Tourmalet was included in the program of the 15th stage alongside with its good old companies: Col de Peyresourde, Col d’ Aubisque and Col d’Aspen. The 194 km long stage between Luchon and Pau was won by Julian Berrendero. Sylvére Maes extended his lead in the GC against Roger Lapebie. A few days … Read more
Amédée Fournier ‘s only participation in Tour de France was in 1939. He won two stages (1 and 5) and wore the yellow jersey for on day.
The famous French dancer visited the peloton in 1936. This wasn’t the only occasion, she already made an appearance in 1933 on the first stage of the race. Sylvère Maes and especially his namesake Romain Maes surely enjoyed a fanboy moment.
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. … Read more
Antonin Magne (Tour de France winner 1931 and 1934) did not attend the Tour de France in 1932, but he visited the race. This was the year when André Leducq won his second Tour de France title. (He was the winner also in 1930) RELATED POSTS