Jean Malléjac

Jean Malléjac (born 19 June 1929 in Dirinon, France – died 19 October 2000) was a professional road cyclist from France. He is best known for his performances in the Tour de France, where he was a prominent competitor in the 1950s.

Biography

Jean Malléjac started his professional cycling career in the early 1950s. He quickly established himself as a strong climber and a competent general classification contender in stage races.

Tour de France

Malléjac's most notable achievements came in the Tour de France. His first significant impact in the Tour was in 1953, where he finished 5th overall. This performance included a remarkable display in the mountain stages, where he was one of the few who could challenge the dominant riders of that era.

His most famous moment, however, occurred during the 1955 Tour de France. On the climb to Mont Ventoux, Malléjac suffered from severe physical distress that led to him collapsing unconscious on the road. It was later suggested that his collapse might have been caused by doping, a claim that was common in the sport at that time. Malléjac vehemently denied these allegations, insisting that he had been given a bad substance unknowingly. This incident highlighted the dark side of professional cycling and opened up discussions about the safety and ethics of the sport.

Despite this setback, Malléjac returned to racing and continued to compete at a high level, although he never quite reached the same heights as before his collapse.

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from professional cycling, Jean Malléjac remained involved in the sport, contributing his knowledge and experience in various capacities. He passed away on 19 October 2000, leaving behind a legacy marked by both his achievements and his controversial moment in the 1955 Tour de France.

Jean Malléjac is remembered not only for his athletic prowess but also for his resilience and determination in the face of adversity. His career serves as a reminder of the challenges and pressures faced by professional cyclists during the mid-20th century.

See Also

• List of doping cases in cycling
• History of the Tour de France