Most Stage Wins In The Tour De France
The Tour de France is arguably the most prestigious cycling race in the world, and every year it brings together the best cyclists from around the globe to compete in one of the toughest endurance events in sport. With 21 stages and thousands of kilometers to cover, winning a Tour de France stage is no easy feat, and winning multiple stages is an achievement that only a select few riders have managed to accomplish. In this article, we will take a closer look at the riders who have won the most stages in the Tour de France, and examine what it takes to be a champion in this grueling race.
Eddy Merckx – 34 Stage Wins
Eddy Merckx is widely regarded as the greatest cyclist of all time, and his 34 stage wins in the Tour de France are a testament to his dominance in the race. Merckx won his first tour stage in 1969, and went on to win the overall race that year, as well as in 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1974. His record of 34 stage wins stood for over 30 years, until it was broken by Mark Cavendish in 2016.
Mark Cavendish – 30 Stage Wins
Mark Cavendish is one of the most successful sprinters in cycling history, and his 30 stage wins in the Tour de France put him second only to Eddy Merckx in the all-time standings. Cavendish won his first tour stage in 2008, and went on to win the green jersey (awarded to the best sprinter) in 2011. He has won stages in every edition of the Tour de France he has competed in, and is still active in the sport today.
Bernard Hinault – 28 Stage Wins
Bernard Hinault is a five-time winner of the Tour de France, and his 28 stage wins put him in third place on the all-time list. Hinault won his first tour stage in 1978, and went on to win the overall race in 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982 and 1985. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time, and his aggressive riding style and fierce determination earned him the nickname "The Badger."
André Leducq – 25 Stage Wins
André Leducq was a French cyclist who won the Tour de France twice, in 1930 and 1932. He won his first tour stage in 1927, and went on to win a total of 25 stages in his career. Leducq was known for his powerful sprinting ability, and his aggressive riding style made him a fan favorite in France.
Freddy Maertens – 15 Stage Wins
Freddy Maertens was a Belgian cyclist who won the green jersey (awarded to the best sprinter) in the Tour de France twice, in 1976 and 1978. Maertens won his first tour stage in 1976, and went on to win a total of 15 stages in his career. He was known for his incredible sprinting ability, and his ability to win stages on both flat and hilly terrain.
Conclusion
Winning a stage in the Tour de France is an incredible achievement, and winning multiple stages is a testament to a rider's skill, determination and endurance. Eddy Merckx, Mark Cavendish, Bernard Hinault, André Leducq and Freddy Maertens are just a few of the riders who have left their mark on this iconic race, and their names will forever be remembered in the history of cycling. As the Tour de France continues to evolve and push the limits of human endurance, we can only wonder who will be the next great champion to add their name to this illustrious list.
