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Roger De Vlaeminck, Freddy Maertens and Eddy Merckx at Ronde van Vlaanderen 1977

Roger De Vlaeminck’s fifth Monument

Belgian one-day specialist Roger De Vlaeminck became the third cyclist in road cycling history to win all five… Read More »Roger De Vlaeminck’s fifth Monument

Louison Bobet winner of Ronde van Vlaanderen 1955

Louison Bobet’s Ronde van Vlaanderen victory (1955)

Three-time Tour de France winner (1953, 1954, 1955) and French cycling legend Louison Bobet was a succesful rider… Read More »Louison Bobet’s Ronde van Vlaanderen victory (1955)

British cyclist Tom Simpson sprinting to win Ronde van Vlaanderen in 1961

Tom Simpson, the first British cyclist to win Ronde van Vlaanderen (1961)

During the first half century in the history of Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders), the race wasn’t… Read More »Tom Simpson, the first British cyclist to win Ronde van Vlaanderen (1961)

Fausto Coppi’s 14-min gap solo victory (Milano-Sanremo 1946)

The 1946 edition of Milano-Sanremo was the first to take place following World War II. Held on March… Read More »Fausto Coppi’s 14-min gap solo victory (Milano-Sanremo 1946)

The colourful and fascinating world of road cycling history from a point of view of a literary critic. 

Vintage road cycling stories - a blog by Anita Pethő



 

IN FOCUS DURING MARCH AND APRIL:

ONE-DAY RACES

 

 

Jean Stablinski, theFrench cyclists who introduced Arenberg to Paris-Roubaix

The cyclist who introduced Arenberg to Paris-Roubaix

Jean Stablinski, the cyclist who suggested to include Trouée d’Arenberg (Arenberg Forest) in the program of Paris-Roubaix, was… Read More »The cyclist who introduced Arenberg to Paris-Roubaix

Before the start of Paris-Roubaix 1907

The Paris-Roubaix edition that ended almost like a burlesque film

During the early days of road cycling races, bicycle events quite often produced extraordinary scenes. One of the… Read More »The Paris-Roubaix edition that ended almost like a burlesque film



 

VINTAGE IMAGE OF THE DAY

Vicente Trueba climbing Galibier (Tour de France 1933)

Spanish climber Vicente Trueba was the  first King of the Mountains of Tour de France. The special competition was introduced to the race in 1933. In 1933, Trueba reached most of the important peaks of the race first, but being a less skilled descender, he could never gain anything, a stage victory for example, from… Read More »Vicente Trueba climbing Galibier (Tour de France 1933)

MOST POPULAR STORIES

French cyclist René Vietto sitting on rocks at the roadside, crying after had to sacrifice his chance for teamleader Antonin Magne during Tour de France 1934

René Vietto’s sacrifice ( Tour de France 1934)

In 1934, Tour de France produced one of the most legendary and emotional moments in cycling history when… Read More »René Vietto’s sacrifice ( Tour de France 1934)

TOUR DE FRANCE FUN FACTS

Mark Cavendish celebrating his record 35th stage victory at the Tour de France in 2024

Most Tour de France stage victories

Since the 5th stage of Tour de France 2024, Mark Cavendish is the sole record holder with 35… Read More »Most Tour de France stage victories

Eight stage victories during a single Tour de France edition

Only three riders in the history of the Tour de France have managed the incredible feat of winning… Read More »Eight stage victories during a single Tour de France edition

Charly Gaul on a snowy road during the famous Bondone stage of Giro d'Italia 1956

Charly Gaul’s epic victory on Monte Bondone (Giro d’Italia 1956)

The 20th stage of Giro d’Italia 1956  is widely regarded for one of the most grueling ones in… Read More »Charly Gaul’s epic victory on Monte Bondone (Giro d’Italia 1956)

Federico Bahamontes stops for an ice cream (Tour de France 1954)

Federico Bahamontes made his Tour de France debut in 1954, a race that would mark the beginning of… Read More »Federico Bahamontes stops for an ice cream (Tour de France 1954)

MORE ROAD CYCLING FUN FACTS

The youngest and the oldest Giro d’Italia stage winners

Olimpio Bizzi is the youngest stage winner ever with 19 years  and 229 days. He won the 8th… Read More »The youngest and the oldest Giro d’Italia stage winners

Most stage victories and consecutive stage victories in a single Giro d’Italia

Alfredo Binda, known as the second Campionissimo, was the dominant cycling star of the 1920s and set numerous… Read More »Most stage victories and consecutive stage victories in a single Giro d’Italia



 



 

GREATEST CYCLING LEGENDS

Roger De Vlaeminck, Freddy Maertens and Eddy Merckx at Ronde van Vlaanderen 1977

Roger De Vlaeminck’s fifth Monument

Belgian one-day specialist Roger De Vlaeminck became the third cyclist in road cycling history to win all five… Read More »Roger De Vlaeminck’s fifth Monument

Fausto Coppi’s 14-min gap solo victory (Milano-Sanremo 1946)

The 1946 edition of Milano-Sanremo was the first to take place following World War II. Held on March… Read More »Fausto Coppi’s 14-min gap solo victory (Milano-Sanremo 1946)

Louison Bobet winner of Ronde van Vlaanderen 1955

Louison Bobet’s Ronde van Vlaanderen victory (1955)

Three-time Tour de France winner (1953, 1954, 1955) and French cycling legend Louison Bobet was a succesful rider… Read More »Louison Bobet’s Ronde van Vlaanderen victory (1955)



 



 

Vintage Cycling Stories is member of PelotonTales blogfamily, blogs about road cycling past present (and future) from culturlp historical point of view.