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.
