The history of the Tour de France has left a whole display of feats by cyclists that only serve to magnify the carrera and directly link it to legend, in clear complicity with the sumptuous settings that their routes offer. The ingredients are clear: one or several mountain passes, a city, a rider who accepts the challenge of risking everything for a goal... This is how the brightest pages of the Tour de France have been written, with the courage and determination of a good number of champions. Let's look at some of the most memorable episodes.
As the saying goes, not all those who are worthy are here (far from it), but all those who are here are worthy:
1948 Tour: Bartali's comeback in the Alps
Gino Bartali struck such a deadly blow in the alpine stages of the 1948 Tour de France that he ended up winning the French race by more than 25 minutes over the second-placed rider. In those alpine stages, Bartali, with his road bike, showed impressive form as he faced some of the highest mountain passes in Europe. On July 14, 1948, Gino Bartali slept in Cannes, 21 minutes behind the Tour leader, Louison Bobet, who had increased his lead the previous day. With three mountain stages ahead, Bartali seemed out of the fight for the yellow jersey. But something changed when he received a call from the Italian prime minister, Alcide de Gasperi, asking him to win for the country, as the nation was on the verge of civil war after the attack on communist leader Palmiro Togliatti. De Gasperi told him: "You can do a lot for Italy," and Bartali, inspired by his country and his own pride, launched himself into the offensive.
With his road bike, Bartali attacked on the terrain he dominated: 274 kilometers to Briançon, climbing the Allos, Vars, and Izoard cols. The weather conditions in the Alps were ideal for him, with bad weather favoring his carrera style. Jean Robic crested the first two giants, but Bartali managed to break away on the Izoard and achieved a solo victory after more than ten hours of racing. Bobet, his main rival, lost more than 19 minutes. The next day, Bartali continued his streak, powerfully climbing the Galibier and Croix de Fer, gaining a considerable advantage over Stan Ockers and Bobet. His victory in Lausanne was the culmination of a historic feat, going from being 21 minutes behind Bobet to leaving him more than half an hour back.
Bartali finished the Tour with a 26-minute lead over Ockers, with seven stage wins and a display in the mountains that still stands as one of the most impressive in cycling history. Just like today's cyclists who rely on mountain bikes to face the toughest challenges on the road and in the mountains, Bartali showed that, with determination and the right tool, any challenge is possible.
1951 Tour: Hugo Koblet shines in Agen with a boil
Koblet staged a spectacular solo breakaway of more than 100 kilometers to end up winning the 1951 Tour de France. The previous day, Hugo Koblet had suffered during the tenth stage of the Tour de France, one of the toughest of that edition, which left him on the verge of abandoning. After 216 kilometers of suffering, including a boil that made it difficult for him to even sit on the saddle of his road bike, Koblet reached the finish line having lost time and with his health compromised. However, his determination and courage led him to make an unexpected decision: after an emergency intervention with cocaine suppositories, Koblet decided to continue.
In the 11th stage of 177 kilometers, Koblet, far from giving up, attacked on a small climb, leaving his rival Louis Deprez behind. Despite the difficulties, the Swiss rider stayed solo for more than 100 kilometers. With his road bike, and with the Tourmalet and other mountain passes ahead, Koblet took on a challenge that seemed unreal. His team manager, Alex Burtin, upon seeing the unexpected breakaway, asked Koblet: “How far do you plan to go at this speed?” To which Koblet replied with determination: “To the finish.” Despite the attempts of other favorites like Ockers, Coppi, Robic, and Magni to organize a chase, Koblet held his advantage and crossed the finish line in Agen with a lead of 2:35 minutes.
Days later, Koblet, with his mountain bike prepared for the challenges in the mountains, continued to show his strength by escaping with Fausto Coppi on the Tourmalet and winning the stage, which allowed him to take the yellow jersey. That July 18, the boil had become a bad memory, and Koblet kept his lead all the way to Paris, where he crowned one of the most legendary victories in cycling history.
Tour of 1952: Coppi conquers Alpe d’Huez and flies towards Sestriere
Fausto Coppi and his historic victory in the 1952 Tour de France
Fausto Coppi arrived at the 1952 Tour de France with a single goal: to achieve the double after his victory in the Giro d’Italia, where he had beaten Fiorenzo Magni. After his frustrating performance in the 1951 Tour, where he finished in an unexpected tenth place, 46 minutes behind the winner Hugo Koblet, Coppi was determined to redeem himself. Moreover, on July 4, 1952, he was not yet the leader of the Tour, as the yellow jersey was worn by his loyal domestique Andrea Carrea, who had helped him win the Giro. That day, the Tour climbed Alpe d’Huez for the first time, a colossus that would be added to the history of the Tour’s great climbs.
In the 266-kilometer stage, Coppi broke away with the Frenchman Jean Robic at the start of the climb to Alpe d'Huez. Both cyclists opened up a gap, but it was Coppi who, six kilometers from the summit, launched the decisive attack. Upon reaching the top of Alpe d'Huez, Coppi claimed his first victory at the summit, taking the yellow jersey by just five seconds. But the next day, Coppi showed why he is considered one of the best cyclists in history: in a 182-kilometer stage that included the giants of Croix de Fer, Télégraphe, Galibier and Montgenèvre, Coppi crested all these climbs in the lead, winning the stage with an advantage of 9:33 minutes over Stan Ockers and 10:09 over Gino Bartali.
Mountain and road bikes in the Tour de France
Coppi's victory was not only a demonstration of his skill on the road, but also of how his road bike allowed him to conquer the challenging mountain passes. The use of specialized road bikes, combined with proper training, allowed him to conquer the 1952 Tour de France with a lead of almost half an hour over his rivals. Road bikes play a crucial role in stage victories like these, where efficiency, weight, and endurance are essential to tackle historic climbs such as Alpe d'Huez and the Galibier. Coppi's strength to climb these passes also demonstrates the importance of having a well-equipped mountain bike for the challenges presented by the mountains, even in the context of a Tour de France.
1958 Tour: Charly Gaul
Charly Gaul: The feat that changed the course of the 1958 Tour de France
The 1958 Tour de France witnessed one of the greatest exploits in the history of the competition, starring the Luxembourger Charly Gaul. Although the young Jacques Anquetil arrived as the favorite to reclaim his victory from the previous year, the mountains and the rain dictated a different fate. Gaul, known for his endurance on climbs, made up more than 15 minutes of deficit in the last mountain stage and was crowned champion, achieving one of the most surprising victories of the Tour.
Gaul's meteoric rise in the mountain stages
Throughout the Tour, Gaul showed his quality in the time trials, winning the first against Anquetil in Chateaulin under the rain. Then, in the uphill time trial to Mont Ventoux, he surpassed big names like Bahamontes, placing himself in third position in the general classification. However, a setback in the next stage left him 15 minutes behind the yellow jersey, when Anquetil and other favorites broke away on a good day. But everything changed on July 16, when Gaul, in rainy conditions that favored his style, began an impressive comeback during the stage from Briançon to Aix-les-Bains, overtaking rivals like Bahamontes and Anquetil, and increasing his advantage in the mountain passes.
The magic of mountain bikes in the Tour
Gaul took advantage of his ability in the mountains, but the type of bicycle he used was a key factor in his success. Mountain bikes are essential for tackling the challenging and steep climbs like those faced in that crucial stage of the 1958 Tour. While Gaul was riding a road bike optimized for these ascents, the ability of his bike to withstand the demanding climbs and descents allowed him to gain an advantage at the most decisive moments.
The Tour de France, a test of endurance on a road bicycle
Gaul's final result, which culminated with his victory in the Dijon time trial and the Tour title, highlights the importance of the road bicycle suitable to compete at the highest level. In this context, Gaul showed that a well-equipped road bike is as crucial as a cyclist's physical strength to achieve victory in the most prestigious of cycling competitions.
1964 Tour: Bahamontes' Last Dance in the Pyrenees
Federico Martín Bahamontes: The Eagle of Toledo and his last great triumph in the 1964 Tour de France
Federico Martín Bahamontes, known as the Eagle of Toledo, left an indelible mark on the history of cycling, and in 2013 was chosen as the best climber of all time in the Tour de France. In the 1964 edition, Bahamontes shone again, seeking his sixth King of the Mountains Prize and a place on the podium of the legendary carrera. After an impressive solo in Briançon, the cyclist from Toledo arrived in the Pyrenees with his sights set on his goals, and everything seemed possible in the 16th stage, between Luchon and Pau.
The Pyrenees challenge and the fight for the King of the Mountains Prize
In a key stage of 197 kilometers, Bahamontes and the young debutant Julio Jiménez escaped at the start, agreeing to split the victories: Jiménez would be the first to summit the climbs, while Bahamontes, with his experience, would try to gain time at the finish. However, the plan of carrera changed when Jiménez dropped back, leaving Bahamontes with a clear path for a decisive attack.
The victory on the Aubisque: Bahamontes' last recital
On the ascent to the Aubisque, a Pyrenean giant, Bahamontes showed his strength by distancing himself from the other competitors, reaching the summit with a six-minute lead over the favorites. Meanwhile, Jiménez was falling apart and in the end, stopped to wait in a bar. Bahamontes finished the stage with a 1:54 minute advantage about the group of leaders and secured his sixth King of the Mountains title, thus completing a Tour that left him in third place, less than four minutes behind the two great rivals, Anquetil and Poulidor.
The mountain bike in competition: an essential element for Bahamontes
Throughout this Tour, Bahamontes not only shone for his mountain skills, but his mountain bike and his team played a crucial role. In the toughest stages, such as the climbs to the cols of the Pyrenees, the ability of his bike to support the rider's weight and adapt to steep terrain was essential for his performance. Over the years, mountain bikes have evolved, but the spirit of endurance and sacrifice that Bahamontes showed in his last great victory remains an inspiration for today's cyclists.
1969 Tour: Eddy Merckx flies into a rage and dominates in Mourenx
Eddy Merckx: The overwhelming debut in the 1969 Tour de France
The 1969 Tour de France marked the beginning of one of cycling's greatest legends: Eddy Merckx. In his debut in the French race, the Belgian showed his dominance from the start, taking the lead in the sixth stage, the Ballon d'Alsace. From that moment, his unstoppable pace allowed him to rack up victories and pull away considerably from his rivals.
The queen stage of the Pyrenees: Merckx's attack on the Tourmalet
When the queen stage of the Pyrenees arrived, finishing in Mourenx, Merckx had already demonstrated his strength by adding four stage wins and was leading by more than eight minutes. However, that day The Cannibal was especially angry: he could not contact his wife, Claudine, who was about to give birth, and he also learned that his best domestique, Martin Van den Bossche, would leave the Faema team.
The Tourmalet and Merckx's show
On July 15th, Merckx promised: "When the others reach the finish, I will have already showered." And he kept his word. During the climb to the Tourmalet, Van den Bossche He attempted an attack, but Merckx responded immediately, overtaking him in a matter of seconds. He launched a solo breakaway with 140 kilometers ahead, wearing the yellow jersey with an authority that only The Cannibal could offer. At the end of the stage in Mourenx, Merckx crossed the finish line with 7:56 minutes ahead of the chasing group, including Van den Bossche.
Road bikes and their role in the Tour de France
Merckx's dominance in the mountain stage was accompanied by the power of his road bike. At that time, road bikes played a crucial role for cyclists, and Merckx, like other champions of the era, had a lightweight and sturdy machine to withstand the demanding terrain of the Pyrenees. Today, road bikes are still essential for those who seek top performance in competitions like the Tour.
1971 Tour: Luis Ocaña amazes and dominates in Orcières-Merlette
The impressive display of Luis Ocaña in the 1971 Tour de France
On July 8, 1971, the cycling world witnessed one of the greatest performances in the history of the Tour de France. Luis Ocaña, a Spanish cyclist from Priego, achieved what many considered a historic feat, defeating none other than Eddy Merckx, regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
A key day in the history of the Tour: Ocaña versus Merckx
Merckx arrived at that 11th stage of the Tour de France with his sights set on his third consecutive victory. Although he was one of the favorites, the Belgian had not had ideal preparation, due to his absence from the Giro d'Italia and some previous problems, such as the clashes in the Dauphiné. Meanwhile, Luis Ocaña, who had already demonstrated his strength at the Puy de Dôme, was determined to seize the opportunity.
Ocaña's strategy: smart attacks in the 1971 Tour
The 137-kilometer stage was marked by a series of climbs that Ocaña took advantage of to deliver his decisive blow. José Manuel Fuente from the Kas team He broke the rhythm in the peloton, and on the climb to the côte de Laffrey, Ocaña launched his attack, jumping after a move by Agostinho. Ocaña went on the offensive and, surprisingly, left Merckx behind, who was unable to respond to the Spaniard's strength.
On the climb to the col de Noyer, Ocaña continued with his spectacular pace, gaining an advantage of more than a minute over the group of Zoetemelk and Merckx himself. With a demonstration of endurance and tactics, Ocaña continued his escape and finished the stage with an amazing victory.
The astonishing result and the impact of Ocaña
Luis Ocaña reached the finish line in Orcières-Merlette, with a 5:52 minute advantage over the second place, Lucien Van Impe, and 8:42 minutes over the group of Zoetemelk and Merckx. This impressive margin forced the organization to modify the time limit for the carrera, changing from 12% to 15% to avoid the competition being left mutilated.
The impact on Merckx and the importance of Ocaña's victory
After the stage, Merckx, who was surprised by Ocaña's attack, commented: “Ocaña has killed us like El Cordobés kills the bulls.” This defeat was one of the toughest moments of the Belgian's carrera, who did not yet know that this would be a decisive moment in his fight for the Tour. Luis Ocaña had achieved an epic victory that would go down in the history of cycling.
Essential equipment for cyclists seeking performance
For cyclists who wish to take on challenging routes like those of Ocaña in the 1971 Tour, suitable mountain bikes and road bikes are essential. Mountain bikes offer the stability and traction necessary to tackle tough climbs, while road bikes are ideal for maximum performance in speed stages. Make sure to choose a bike that matches your route type and specific needs to maximize performance, just as Ocaña did.
1994 Tour: Induráin brings out the roller in Hautacam
Induráin: The display of strength at Hautacam during the 1996 Tour de France
In 1996, Miguel Induráin was in the midst of the battle for his fourth Tour de France, and the greatness of his performance was already becoming apparent. After an impressive victory in the Bergerac time trial, the Navarrese rider proudly wore the yellow jersey. However, he knew he needed a stellar performance in the Pyrenees to secure his position. The 11th stage of the Tour, with 263 kilometers and a grueling finish at the Hautacam climb, would mark a turning point in the carrera.
Induráin's tactics in the Pyrenees: steady pace and total control
On the day of the 11th stage, Induráin had to face Toni Rominger, his main rival, but the mountains were his terrain. Hautacam presented him with a challenge of 16 kilometers at 7.3%, a climb that was new that year and would test the strongest cyclists. Meanwhile, Marco Pantani, known for his spectacular attacks, surprised everyone by attacking on the first slopes. However, Induráin remained calm, observing the dynamics of the carrera.
The decisive attack: Induráin prevails in the mountains
Seeing Rominger suffering, Induráin decided to take action. With the order to Jean François Bernard to increase the pace, Induráin did not hesitate to take the lead and set a suffocating pace on the climb. Rominger quickly gave in and dropped back, followed by Alex Zülle, Piotr Ugrumov and other rivals. As the summit approached, Induráin continued his unstoppable advance.
The chase of Pantani and Induráin's dominance
With Pantani at the front, Induráin continued his pursuit, closing the gap until he had the Italian less than half a minute ahead. Just one kilometer from the summit, Induráin completed his chase of Pantani , making it clear that there was no rival who could keep up with his frenetic pace. Luc Leblanc, another outstanding cyclist, managed to keep up with Induráin and won the stage in a sprint under the fog.
Induráin, unbeatable in the mountains
At the end of the stage, Induráin had dropped Rominger by more than five minutes in the general classification, leaving all his rivals behind. This victory cemented his legacy, showing that Induráin was not only a time trial specialist, but also had the ability to dominate the most demanding mountain passes.
How to choose the perfect bike for the mountains?
If you are inspired by the legendary performance of Induráin and decide to take on the mountain passes, it is important to choose the right bike. Mountain bikes are ideal for more technical and difficult routes, while road bikes are perfect for paved roads and long climbs like those Induráin faced in Hautacam. Make sure to choose a bike that gives you the comfort and control you need for your next mountain adventure.
Tour 1998: Pantani flies under the Galibier rain
The historic attack of Marco Pantani in the 1998 Tour de France
In the 1998 Tour de France, known for the Festina scandal, Marco Pantani made history with a spectacular attack that changed the course of the carrera. During that Tour, the young German Jan Ullrich seemed destined to win, after dominating the competition from the first time trial, where he defeated strong rivals like Tyler Hamilton and Bobby Julich. However, on July 27, in the stage between Grenoble and Les Deux Alpes, the "Pirate" broke all predictions.
Pantani, king of the mountains
Despite his impressive performance in the Giro d'Italia and victories in Plateau de Beille and Luchon , many did not bet on Pantani to take the victory in the Tour. But the Italian, known for his skill in the mountains, had more ambitious plans. During the 189-kilometer stage, the cyclists faced climbs to the Col de la Croix de Fer and the Galibier, two mountain passes known for their toughness. Although there were no major moves on the Croix de Fer, everything changed on the Galibier, where the weather worsened and the rain began to fall.
Pantani's decisive attack on the Galibier
Under extreme conditions, Pantani attacked on the climb to the Galibier, using his characteristic style of crouching low on the handlebars. While Ullrich and his Telekom team suffered under the storm, Pantani continued his ascent, quickly passing the survivors of a breakaway. The Italian crested the Galibier alone, with almost three minutes' advantage over Ullrich. However, knowing that there were more than 60 kilometers left to the finish in Les Deux Alpes, Pantani chose to wait for his teammates Rodolfo Massi and Marcos Serrano to save energy.
Pantani's victory and Ullrich's defeat
When they arrived at Les Deux Alpes, Pantani resumed his unstoppable pace and took the win at the finish, further increasing his lead: almost six minutes over Julich and nearly nine minutes over Ullrich. At the end of the stage, Pantani donned the yellow jersey, while the German crossed the finish line defeated. Although Ullrich attempted a fierce offensive the next day on the Col de la Madeleine, Pantani stuck to his wheel, showing that the victory was already decided.
Pantani's legacy and his conquest in the Tour
With his historic victory, Pantani established himself as one of the most legendary cyclists in the history of the Tour de France, stripping Ullrich of the victory and securing the triumph he had always dreamed of. His display of strength in the mountain passes and his control during the race elevated him to hero status in cycling, leaving an indelible mark on the history of road cycling .
Ideal equipment to face challenges like Pantani's
For cyclists who wish to replicate Pantani's style in the mountains, having the right mountain bikes or road bikes is crucial. Road bikes are perfect for tackling long and difficult mountain stages, while mountain bikes are essential for more technical and rugged terrain. Make sure to choose the right bike that fits your style and type of routes.
2008 Tour: Carlos Sastre enters the legend of Alpe d’Huez
Carlos Sastre and his historic victory in the 2008 Tour de France: The feat at Alpe d'Huez
In the 17th stage of the 2008 Tour de France, Carlos Sastre starred in one of the greatest achievements in the competition's history. With a 12-kilometer climb to the iconic Alpe d'Huez, Sastre not only beat his direct rival, Frank Schleck, but also managed to gain more than 2 minutes in that stage, consolidating himself as the champion of the Tour.
The 2008 Tour de France and the role of Carlos Sastre
Carlos Sastre was not considered the main leader of the CSC team, but that day he showed that greatness can arise in moments of uncertainty. With Frank Schleck leading the Tour, Sastre attacked solo from the base of the Alpe d'Huez, a climb that would become the stage where he would seal his victory. At that moment, Sastre knew he had to start strong to achieve the win. His strategy was impeccable, and as he climbed, Denis Menchov was the only one who tried to follow him, but without success.
An unexpected twist in the standings
With Sastre leading the climb and victory getting closer, behind him, favorites such as the Schleck brothers, Cadel Evans and Alejandro Valverde did not decide to attack. This lack of action allowed Carlos Sastre to enter triumphantly into the ski resort of Alpe d'Huez, with 2:13 minutes advantage over Samuel Sánchez, while the competitors continued fighting to stay in the yellow jersey group.
The consecration of Carlos Sastre
After that stage, Carlos Sastre managed to wear the yellow jersey, with a lead of 1:24 minutes over Frank Schleck and 1:34 minutes over Cadel Evans. During the final time trial in Saint-Amand-Montrond, Sastre maintained his advantage, crowning his final victory in the 2008 Tour de France with a difference of 58 seconds over Evans.
Mountain bikes and road bikes: Equipment to conquer the Tour
The road bike that Sastre used to tackle climbs like Alpe d'Huez was a key tool for his victory. Proper equipment for the mountain routes of the Tour, such as mountain bikes and road bikes specifically for alpine terrain, can make the difference in such demanding competitions. Power, weight, and aerodynamics are essential factors when facing legendary mountain passes like those Sastre conquered on his way to victory.
2020 Tour: Pogačar wins the carrera upside down at La Planche des Belles Filles
Tadej Pogačar: The young man who changed the history of the 2020 Tour de France
The 2020 Tour de France will remain etched in the memory of all cycling fans for the spectacular performance of Tadej Pogačar. Despite being only 21 years old, the young Slovenian established himself as one of the most talented cyclists in history with an epic performance in the penultimate stage of the Tour, at La Planche des Belles Filles.
The time trial that defined the champion
The 36 km time trial was the stage where Pogačar left an indelible mark. Tadej Pogačar destroyed his compatriot and leader until that moment, Primož Roglič , who seemed to have the Tour almost secured. With an impressive comeback, Pogačar cut a deficit of 57 seconds and snatched the yellow jersey from Roglič, who had led the race for twelve stages.
The big loser: Primož Roglič
The defeat of Primož Roglič in that historic stage was a devastating blow. The Jumbo-Visma rider could not defend his lead and finished the stage with a deficit of 1' 56''. The image of his distorted expression and his helmet out of place became a symbol of defeat, evoking the memory of the famous fall of Laurent Fignon in 1989, when he lost the Tour by just 8 seconds to Greg LeMond in the final time trial in Paris.
Mountain bikes and road bikes in the Tour
In decisive stages such as La Planche des Belles Filles, mountain bikes and road bikes play a crucial role in the cyclists' performance. To face the demanding climbs of the Tour, competitors require bikes designed for high speed, endurance, and adaptability to the terrain, key factors to reach the top and, ultimately, achieve victory.