Jacques Anquetil

1932 Le parc des princes v1

Velodromo Maspes-Vigorelli 03

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AnquetilTour1957 (cropped)

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Jacques Anquetil and Charly Gaul 1959

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Anquetil, Gaul, Hovenaars and Nencini Giro d'Italia 1960

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Jacques Anquetil, Tour de France 1961 (1)

Jacques Anquetil (8 January 1934 – 18 November 1987) was a French professional road racing cyclist and the first cyclist to win the Tour de France five times, in 1957 and from 1961 to 1964. He is often considered one of the greatest cyclists of all time and was known for his time-trialling ability and tactical acumen.

Early Life

Born in Mont-Saint-Aignan, near Rouen, in Normandy, Anquetil took up cycling at a young age. He quickly showed promise as a time-trialist, winning his first local race at the age of 16. His talent was evident, and he soon began to make a name for himself in the French cycling scene.

Career

Anquetil's professional career spanned from 1953 to 1969. He was known for his smooth pedaling style and his ability to maintain a high speed over long distances, particularly in individual time trials, which earned him the nickname "Monsieur Chrono."

Tour de France

Anquetil's first Tour de France victory came in 1957, and he dominated the event in the early 1960s. His rivalry with fellow French cyclist Raymond Poulidor during the 1964 Tour de France is legendary, with Anquetil securing his fifth victory by a narrow margin. This rivalry captivated the French public and remains one of the most memorable in cycling history.

Other Grand Tours

In addition to his success in the Tour de France, Anquetil also won the Giro d'Italia twice (1960 and 1964) and the Vuelta a España once (1963), making him the first cyclist to win all three Grand Tours. His victory in the 1964 Giro d'Italia, where he won despite suffering from an illness, is particularly notable.

World Championships

Anquetil also competed in the UCI Road World Championships, though he never won the title. His best performance was a second-place finish in the individual time trial in 1966.

Retirement and Legacy

Anquetil retired from professional cycling in 1969. After retirement, he remained involved in the sport, working as a commentator and team advisor. He passed away in 1987 at the age of 53 from stomach cancer.

Anquetil's legacy in the world of cycling is immense. He was known for his dedication to the sport, his strategic mind, and his unparalleled time-trialling skills. He paved the way for future generations of cyclists and remains an iconic figure in the history of the Tour de France and professional cycling.

See Also

• List of Tour de France general classification winners
• Giro d'Italia winners
• Vuelta a España winners