5 little facts about Vuelta a Espana 1936
The 2nd Vuelta a España was held between 5 and 31 May 1936. It was 4354 km long, divided into 21 stages. The average speed… Read More »5 little facts about Vuelta a Espana 1936
vintagecyclingstories
Can you imagine Tour de France without mountain stages?
In modern-day cycling, multi-stage events are predominantly decided during the mountain stages. Mountain stages are where the general classification (GC) contenders can no longer rely… Read More »Can you imagine Tour de France without mountain stages?
Just like warriors
The early days of road cycling races often evoke powerful imagery of cyclists appearing less like athletes in a modern sporting event and more like… Read More »Just like warriors
Cyclists taking a break on the steps of a tavern (Tour de France 1921)
From our 21st-century perspective, it’s almost impossible to imagine the atmosphere of the 1921 Tour de France, when taking a break mid-race and grabbing a… Read More »Cyclists taking a break on the steps of a tavern (Tour de France 1921)
Faces from the peloton: Cyrille Van Hauwaert
Cyrille Van Hauwaert (1883-1974) was one of the most successful Belgian cyclists of the pre-WWI era. Van Hauwaert’s story reads like a folk legend. A… Read More »Faces from the peloton: Cyrille Van Hauwaert
The cheating scandal of Tour de France 1904
The inaugural Tour de France in 1903 was nothing short of groundbreaking. Organized by the French newspaper L’Auto, the race was intended as a publicity… Read More »The cheating scandal of Tour de France 1904
Faces from the peloton: Hippolyte Aucouturier
The image of a French cyclist in a striped shirt may feel like a cliché, but sometimes stereotypes hold a surprising amount of truth. Consider… Read More »Faces from the peloton: Hippolyte Aucouturier
The cyclist who won Tour de France but gambled away the entire prize money
Louis Trousselier (1881-1939), the charismatic winner of the 3rd Tour de France in 1905, had a life story as colorful as his cycling career. Known… Read More »The cyclist who won Tour de France but gambled away the entire prize money
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.… Read More »Vicente Trueba climbing Galibier (Tour de France 1933)
Faces from the peloton: Luigi Malabrocca
Luigi Malabrocca is most remembered today for his unorthodox quest to secure the maglia nera—the last-place jersey of the Giro d’Italia. However, during his professional… Read More »Faces from the peloton: Luigi Malabrocca