Tour de France has always been more than just a test of physical endurance. From its inception, the race has been a battleground not only for athletic prowess but also for human drama, strategy, and, at times,
scandals.
Among the many strange and unsettling stories from the early years, one stands out as particularly mysterious: the story of Paul Duboc and his fateful encounter with a poisoned bottle during the 1911 edition of the race.
Paul Duboc first competed Tour de France in 1908, and again in 1909. While these early attempts did not bring him the overall victory, they were not without their successes. In 1909, Duboc claimed a stage victory and finished fourth in the general classification, marking him as a rider to watch in future editions of the race. His strong performances earned him respect within the peloton, and by the time the Tour de France rolled around during the summer of 1911,
Duboc was seen as one of the favorites.
Tour de France 1911 was the ninth edition of the race. The route covered a staggering 5,344 kilometers over 15 stages, taking the riders through the Pyrenees and, for the first time inthe history of the race, also throigh the Alps.
Paul Duboc entered the race in remarkable form. He was strong, determined, and fully prepared to challenge for the overall victory. His confidence was not misplaced, as he quickly established himself as a dominant force in the race. By the time the riders reached the Pyrenees, Duboc had already won four stages.
It was during the tenth stage, a particularly arduous journey through the Pyrenees, that Paul Duboc’s dreams of victory were shattered in the most unexpected manner.
As the riders ascended the slopes, Duboc attacked with ferocity, leaving his rivals behind. By the time he reached Col d’Aubisque, he had built an impressive lead of over eight minutes. It seemed as though nothing could stop him from claiming another stage victory and taking a commanding position in the overall classification.
But then, something went terribly wrong.
Suddenly, and without any warning, Duboc collapsed on the side of the road. He was seen vomiting violently, his body racked with pain. The other riders, as they passed him, could only watch in shock as Duboc, who had been so strong just moments before, was reduced to a helpless state. According to the rules of the time, Duboc, as an independent rider, was not allowed to receive any outside assistance. He was completely on his own.
Despite his suffering, Duboc somehow managed to get back on his bike and continue the race. But the damage had been done. The time he lost during his collapse and the physical toll it took on his body meant that his chances of winning the Tour were all but gone. Ses, he somehow finished the stage. But any hope of overall victory had been cruelly snatched away.
The most likely explanation for Duboc’s sudden collapse was that he had been poisoned.
The most plausible theory was that the poison had been delivered in a bottle of drink he had consumed during the stage. I
n the days that followed, suspicion and rumors swirled around the peloton. Some pointed the finger at François Lafourcade, who had viewed Duboc as his primary rival for the Tour’s mountain stages. The idea that Lafourcade, or someone associated with him, might have sabotaged Duboc in such a manner seemed plausible to many at the time, given the fierce competition and high stakes of the race.
However, the most enduring accusation was directed at Gustave Garrigou, who was leading the general classification at the time. Duboc’s dramatic collapse and the subsequent loss of his Tour hopes were seen by some as too convenient for Garrigou, who would go on to win the Tour de France that year. The situation became so tense that
Garrigou reportedly had to disguise himself when the race passed through Rouen, Duboc’s hometown,
for fear of retribution from Duboc’s supporters.
Yet, despite the rumors and accusations, no concrete evidence ever emerged to definitively identify the person responsible for poisoning Duboc. The truth remains shrouded in mystery, a dark cloud over what should have been the brightest moment of Duboc’s career.