Thomas Voeckler

On July 10, 2004, during the Tour de France, Thomas Voeckler gained international attention by seizing the yellow jersey, worn by the leader of the race, after a breakaway on stage 5. Voeckler held onto the yellow jersey for 10 consecutive days, showcasing incredible resilience against top competitors. His tenacity and spirit earned him widespread admiration and made him a hero in France.

On July 17, 2009, Thomas Voeckler achieved a significant victory by winning Stage 5 of the Tour de France. This remarkable win was a part of his consistent performance during that year's race, which further solidified his reputation as a resilient and strategic cyclist. His victory on this stage was celebrated by fans and marked another highlight in his cycling career.

Thomas Voeckler added another achievement to his career by winning Stage 15 of the 2010 Tour de France on July 13, 2010. This victory was considered a tactical masterpiece as he managed to break away and maintain a strong lead, showcasing his tactical acumen and physical endurance. Voeckler's win was celebrated by the cycling community and demonstrated his race intelligence.

On July 14, 2011, Thomas Voeckler once again captured the attention of the cycling world by taking the yellow jersey during the Tour de France. His leadership in the race for 10 days brought back memories of his earlier achievement in 2004. Voeckler's ability to compete with the best despite not being a favorite was a testament to his determination and skill.

In the 2012 Tour de France, Thomas Voeckler won the polka dot jersey as the King of the Mountains, a title awarded to the best climber in the race. His performance throughout the mountain stages demonstrated his exceptional climbing ability and tactical insight, allowing him to secure this prestigious title. This victory further established Voeckler as a versatile and formidable competitor in cycling.

On October 23, 2013, the route for the 2014 Tour de France was announced, with Thomas Voeckler in attendance. As a prominent French cyclist, Voeckler's reaction to the challenging course was highly anticipated. The route included difficult climbs and stages that were expected to offer exciting racing opportunities. Voeckler expressed his eagerness to compete, aiming to continue his success from previous tours.

On October 2, 2016, Thomas Voeckler announced that he would retire from professional cycling after the 2017 season. This announcement marked the end of an era for one of France's most beloved cyclists, known for his charismatic racing style and numerous achievements on the international stage. Voeckler's decision to retire was met with mixed emotions from fans and colleagues alike, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport.

On July 23, 2017, Thomas Voeckler completed his final Tour de France, concluding a remarkable career. His farewell to the race was an emotional moment for him and his fans. Over his career, Voeckler had become a symbol of perseverance and passion in cycling. His numerous podium finishes and aggressive racing style left a lasting legacy in the cycling world.

On August 15, 2018, Thomas Voeckler was appointed as the French national cycling coach. Taking on this new role, Voeckler was tasked with leading the national team and nurturing upcoming talents in French cycling. His transition from a professional cyclist to a coach was seen as a natural progression given his extensive experience and understanding of the sport. Voeckler's leadership was expected to bring a fresh perspective to the national team.

On September 20, 2020, Thomas Voeckler took part in his first major international event as the French national cycling coach at the UCI Road World Championships. Under his guidance, the French team performed admirably, showcasing Voeckler's ability to inspire and lead. His coaching debut at such a prestigious event was closely watched, as fans and analysts were eager to see how he would transition from cyclist to coach on the world stage.