List Of Tour De France General Classification Winners
The Tour de France is one of the most prestigious bicycle races in the world, attracting hundreds of professional cyclists who compete for the coveted yellow jersey. The race, which covers more than 3,500 kilometers over 21 stages, is known for its challenging terrain and demanding conditions, and only the most skilled and determined cyclists are able to win the overall classification. In this article, we will take a look at the list of Tour de France general classification winners and explore some of the most successful cyclists in the history of the race.
1903: Maurice Garin
The first ever Tour de France was held in 1903, and it was won by Maurice Garin, a French cyclist who dominated the race from start to finish. Garin won three stages and finished with a total time of 94 hours, 33 minutes and 14 seconds, beating his closest rival by more than two hours. Garin's victory made him an instant celebrity in France, and he went on to win the race again in 1904.
1919: Firmin Lambot
The Tour de France was suspended during World War I, but it returned in 1919 with a new set of challenges and competitors. Firmin Lambot, a Belgian cyclist, won the race that year, riding more than 5,500 kilometers over 15 stages. Lambot was 32 years old at the time of his victory, and he went on to compete in the Tour de France for another 12 years, winning a total of two races.
1930: Andre Leducq
The 1930 Tour de France saw one of the closest finishes in history, with French cyclist Andre Leducq beating Italian rider Learco Guerra by just 38 seconds. Leducq won six stages and held the yellow jersey for most of the race, but he faced stiff competition from Guerra, who won five stages and put up a strong fight until the very end. Leducq's victory made him a national hero in France, and he went on to win the race again in 1932.
1947: Jean Robic
The 1947 Tour de France was won by another French cyclist, Jean Robic, who was known for his tenacity and determination on the bike. Robic won three stages and finished the race with a time of 148 hours, 11 minutes and 20 seconds, beating his closest rival by more than 10 minutes. Robic's victory was especially significant because it was the first time that a French rider had won the Tour de France after World War II.
1961: Jacques Anquetil
Jacques Anquetil was a French cyclist who dominated the Tour de France in the early 1960s, winning the race five times between 1957 and 1964. Anquetil was known for his smooth and efficient riding style, as well as his ability to climb mountains and sprint to the finish line. His victory in 1961 was particularly impressive, as he won six stages and finished more than 14 minutes ahead of his closest rival, Spanish cyclist Federico Bahamontes.
1975: Bernard Thevenet
The 1975 Tour de France was won by French cyclist Bernard Thevenet, who beat Belgian rider Eddy Merckx, considered one of the greatest cyclists of all time. Thevenet won three stages and finished the race with a time of 113 hours, 3 minutes and 10 seconds, beating Merckx by a margin of just over two minutes. Thevenet's victory was especially significant because it marked the end of Merckx's dominance in the race, as he had won the Tour de France for the previous five years in a row.
1985: Bernard Hinault
Bernard Hinault was a French cyclist who won the Tour de France five times between 1978 and 1985. His victory in 1985 was particularly impressive, as he overcame a knee injury and fierce competition from American cyclist Greg LeMond to win the race by just over a minute. Hinault won two stages and finished with a time of 116 hours, 20 minutes and 21 seconds, cementing his status as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
1998: Marco Pantani
Italian cyclist Marco Pantani won the Tour de France in 1998, riding more than 3,900 kilometers over 21 stages. Pantani was known for his impressive climbing skills, and he won three mountain stages during the race, including the famous climb up Alpe d'Huez. Pantani finished the race with a time of 92 hours, 49 minutes and 46 seconds, beating his closest rival by more than six minutes.
2012: Bradley Wiggins
The most recent British winner of the Tour de France is Bradley Wiggins, who won the race in 2012. Wiggins, who was already a successful track cyclist, became the first British rider to win the Tour de France, riding over 3,500 kilometers in just over 87 hours. Wiggins won two stages and finished more than three minutes ahead of his closest rival, fellow British cyclist Christopher Froome. Wiggins' victory was especially significant because it marked a new era of British dominance in the sport of cycling, with several other British riders winning major races in the years that followed.
Conclusion
The Tour de France is a grueling and challenging race that tests the limits of human endurance and skill. Over the years, many great cyclists have competed in the race, each with their own unique strengths and talents. From the early dominance of French riders like Maurice Garin and Jean Robic, to the modern triumphs of British riders like Bradley Wiggins, the Tour de France has seen some of the greatest races and rivalries in the history of the sport. Whether you are a seasoned cycling fan or a newcomer to the sport, the Tour de France is an event that is not to be missed.