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’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)
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
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
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
The battle on Puy de Dôme: Raymond Poulidor’s closest chance at Tour de France glory
The world of road cycling often celebrates the second-place riders as much, if not more, than the winners.… Read More »The battle on Puy de Dôme: Raymond Poulidor’s closest chance at Tour de France glory
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
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’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’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
The battle on Puy de Dôme: Raymond Poulidor’s closest chance at Tour de France glory
The world of road cycling often celebrates the second-place riders as much, if not more, than the winners.… Read More »The battle on Puy de Dôme: Raymond Poulidor’s closest chance at Tour de France glory
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’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.