It might sound unbelievable, but Fausto Coppi, the third Campionissio of the Italian cycling, one of the greatest legends of the sport rode Tour de France only 3 times. From our rather nostalgic point of view it appears as a longer period. But no. It happened only three times between 1949 and 1952. So big … Read more
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 … Read more
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
Federico Bahamontes rode Tour de France for the very first time in 1954. Of course, the real race for him started in the Pyrenees. On the 12th stage, which included Tourmalet, Aspin and Peyresourde, he arrived at the finish with Jean Malléjac and Gilbert Bauvin, who won the stage with 1 sec ahead of Bahamontes, … Read more
Although Tour de France visited neighbour contries already during the early years of its history frequently, the first international start (grand depart) of the race happened only in 1954. Amsterdam had the privilege to host the start of the event. The 216 km long first stage of Tour de France 1954 between Amsterdam and Brasshaat was … Read more
Jean Robic, winner of Tour de France 1947, was one of the most important cyclists of the post 2nd world war era. Of course, he was racing in the shadow of the giants, Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali, but after all, he managed to win a Tour de France and also several stages. In many … Read more
On the 12th stage of Tour de France 1951 Wim van Est escaped with a small group, won the stage and took the lead in the general classification. He was the first Dutchman to wear the yellow jersey. Next day the peloton arrived in the Pyrenees. The 201 km 13th long stage between Dax and … Read more
The 11 stage of Tour de France 1951 was a 177 km long transitional stage between the Alps and the Pyrenees. Hugo Koblet, 6th in the general classification before the stage, escaped from the peloton together with French rider Louis Deprezwith 135 km to go.It just did not make sense for the rest of the … Read more
Mont Ventoux was introduced to Tour de France in 1951 (one year earlier than Alpe d’Huez and Puy de Dôme). At the first 3 occasions (1951, 1954 and 1955) the peloton crossed the top during mid-race, the first summit finish was organized only in 1958. The 11th stage of Tour de France 1955 started in … 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