Laurent Jalabert

Laurent Jalabert was born on November 30, 1968, in Mazamet, France. He went on to become one of the most successful and versatile French professional cyclists. Throughout his career, he excelled in both sprints and climbs, making him a formidable competitor in many different types of races.

In the 1992 Tour de France, during Stage 14 from Saint-Gervais to Sestriere, Laurent Jalabert achieved significant attention as a promising rider. Though he did not win this stage, his performance indicated his potential as a future leader in multi-stage races.

Laurent Jalabert won the Points Classification (Green Jersey) in the 1995 Tour de France, a testament to his consistency and sprinting ability throughout the race. He also finished fourth overall, highlighting his all-round cycling capabilities that included proficiency in both flat and mountainous stages.

Laurent Jalabert was ranked as the World No. 1 cyclist by the UCI in 1997. This ranking reflected his success across various cycling competitions, including winning one-day races, stage races, and achieving high placings in Grand Tours. He was considered a top competitor in international cycling.

Laurent Jalabert officially retired from professional cycling on April 28, 2002, after a distinguished career that saw him achieve numerous wins and accolades. Throughout his career, Jalabert was known for his versatility, excelling in both time trials and mountainous stages, as well as in one-day classics.

Laurent Jalabert was seriously injured in a car accident while riding his bicycle near Montauban, France, on March 11, 2013. He suffered multiple fractures but eventually made a full recovery. The accident put a spotlight on road safety for cyclists, and Jalabert's resilience was greatly admired.

In 2013, a retrospective report by the French Senate alleged that Laurent Jalabert had tested positive for EPO during the 1998 Tour de France. This revelation was part of a wider investigation into doping in cycling during the 1990s, raising questions about the sport's history and its regulation.

In November 2013, Laurent Jalabert was appointed as the coach of the French national cycling team. His deep experience and understanding of the sport were expected to greatly benefit the French cyclists going forward. His appointment was widely regarded as bringing fresh ideas and strategies to the team.

Laurent Jalabert was inducted into the French Cycling Hall of Fame in April 2017. His induction was in recognition of his impressive achievements and contributions to the sport. Jalabert's career was celebrated for its diversity in accomplishments, and he was honored alongside other legends of cycling.

In October 2021, Laurent Jalabert was named an ambassador for the Tour de France, leveraging his status as a legendary former cyclist to promote the event. His role included engaging with the public and media, and he was seen as an ideal representative for the race due to his extensive experience.