Jacques Anquetil

Jacques Anquetil was born on January 8, 1934, in Mont-Saint-Aignan, France. He would grow up to become one of the most celebrated cyclists in history, known for his exceptional time trial skills and dominance in the sport during the 1950s and 1960s.

Jacques Anquetil achieved his first significant victory by winning the Grand Prix des Nations in 1953. This race was one of the most prestigious time trials in the cycling world, and Anquetil's win marked the start of his illustrious career characterized by his incredible ability in time-trialing, setting the stage for his future successes in major tours.

In 1957, Jacques Anquetil won his first Tour de France, becoming the first Frenchman to do so since Louison Bobet in 1955. Anquetil mastered the time trials and climbed effectively, establishing himself as a major force in the cycling world. His win in the 1957 Tour signaled the beginning of his dominance in this event.

Jacques Anquetil secured his second Tour de France victory in 1961 after showcasing his trademark time-trial prowess. His performance solidified his reputation as one of the top time-trialists in cycling history, continuing to build his legacy as a Tour de France champion. His time trials were so powerful that he often gained decisive advantages that his competitors could not overcome.

Anquetil secured his third Tour de France victory in 1963, displaying an impressive combination of strategic brilliance and unmatched time trial skills. He successfully managed to fend off challenges from his rivals, further entrenching his place in cycling history as he once again donned the yellow jersey after dominating the general classification.

On July 14, 1964, Jacques Anquetil made history by winning his fifth Tour de France, becoming the first cyclist ever to achieve this monumental feat. The 1964 Tour was a memorable battle, especially against his fierce competitor Raymond Poulidor, but Anquetil's exceptional time trial capabilities proved too formidable. His victory cemented his legendary status.

In 1965, Jacques Anquetil won the Vuelta a España, becoming the first cyclist to win all three Grand Tours of cycling. His victory in the Vuelta demonstrated his versatility and ability to compete at the highest levels across different formats and terrains, showcasing his prowess not only in time trials but also in stage races.

Jacques Anquetil achieved a landmark victory at the 1966 Liege-Bastogne-Liege, one of the oldest Classic races in professional cycling. This win highlighted Anquetil's ability to excel not just in stage races but also in one-day classics, proving his versatility as a rider. He outperformed a field of top competitors, further enhancing his formidable reputation.

On July 14, 1979, Jacques Anquetil was honored during the Tour de France. Although retired, his presence on Bastille Day marked a celebration of his many contributions to cycling. The French public especially remembered his legendary contests with Poulidor, cementing his status as a national icon with every pedal stroke remembered lovingly by fans.

Jacques Anquetil passed away on November 18, 1987, at the age of 53. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest cyclists in history, with five Tour de France wins under his belt along with victories in numerous other premier races. Anquetil's influence on the sport remains profound, remembered for his exceptional time-trial skills and tactical acumen.