Jacques Anquetil

Jacques Anquetil was a legendary French cyclist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest road cyclists in the history of the sport. He was born on January 8, 1934, in Mont-Saint-Aignan, France, and he passed away on November 18, 1987. Anquetil's career in professional cycling spanned from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s, and he achieved numerous remarkable feats during his career. Here are some key highlights of Jacques Anquetil's cycling career:

1. Five-Time Tour de France Champion: Jacques Anquetil won the Tour de France five times, becoming the first rider in history to achieve this feat. He won the Tour in 1957, 1961, 1962, 1963, and 1964.

2. Mastery of Time Trials: Anquetil was known for his exceptional time-trialing abilities, which earned him the nickname "Monsieur Chrono" (Mr. Time Trial). He excelled in individual time trials, making him a formidable competitor in stage races like the Tour de France.

3. First Rider to Win All Three Grand Tours: In 1963, Anquetil became the first cyclist to win all three of the Grand Tours (Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España) in a single year. This remarkable achievement further solidified his status as a cycling legend.

4. Rivalry with Raymond Poulidor: Anquetil had a famous rivalry with fellow French rider Raymond Poulidor. Their battles in the Tour de France captivated the French public, with Anquetil often representing the more calculating and strategic approach to racing, while Poulidor was seen as the beloved underdog.

5. Introduction of Aerodynamic Positions: Anquetil was known for his innovation in cycling, including the use of more aerodynamic positions during time trials, which influenced the future of the sport.

6. Record-Setting Hour Record: In 1956, Jacques Anquetil set a new world hour record, covering a distance of 46.159 kilometers in one hour.

7. Diverse Palmarès: In addition to his Tour de France victories, Anquetil won numerous other prestigious races, including Paris-Nice, the Dauphiné Libéré, and the World Road Cycling Championships.

Jacques Anquetil's career was marked by his dominance in time trials, strategic racing, and his ability to win the most prestigious stage race in cycling, the Tour de France, multiple times. His achievements continue to be celebrated in the world of cycling, and he remains an iconic figure in the sport's history.