Tom Simpson was a British professional road cyclist who gained international recognition for his cycling prowess during the 1960s. He is best remembered for his achievements in one-day classics and his determination on the bike. Here are some key highlights and information about Tom Simpson:
Birth and Early Life:
- Tom Simpson was born on November 30, 1937, in Haswell, County Durham, England.
- He began his cycling career at a young age and quickly showed promise as a road and track cyclist.
Professional Cycling Career:
- Simpson turned professional in 1959 and competed for various teams during his career, including Peugeot, Gitane, and Gitane-Campagnolo.
- He was known for his ability in both road races and time trials and was a versatile cyclist.
- Simpson achieved significant success in one-day classics, winning prestigious races like Milan-Sanremo in 1964 and Paris-Roubaix in 1961.
- He also excelled in stage races, winning the 1963 Giro d'Italia's points classification.
- Simpson was a popular figure in the cycling world due to his charismatic personality, determination, and aggressive racing style.
First Briton in the Yellow Jersey:
- In the 1962 Tour de France, Tom Simpson made history by becoming the first British cyclist to wear the yellow jersey, signifying the leader of the race. He won Stage 12 and held the yellow jersey for two days.
Legacy and Tragedy:
