The second stage of Tour de France 2025 is heading west.
VINTAGE TOUR DE FRANCE IMAGE OF THE DAY
The close proximity to the everyday life has always been one of the most intriguing essencial features of road cycling races.
Since the beginning of the multi-staged cycling events, the riders usually had to organize to have proper food during the race. It wasn’t that difficult, because usually coffeehouses hosted the mid-stage checkpoints. Also, the stars of the big-budget professional teams shouldn’t have to worry about this, because they have special crew for the task.
And yet, it was a common thing during the first few decades of road cyclig, that cyclists had their meal in a place crowed with excited spectators, who came to see the competitors.
The picture of Robert Jacquinot (1893-1980) having a meal in a café was taken on the 5th stage of Tour de France 1922.
Jacquinot competed the Tour de France seven times between 1919 and 1925, but finished only once (1923).
However, he had some smaller successes: he managed to wear the yellow jersey for 3 days in 1922 (he lost his leading position on the 4th stage) and for one day in 1923.
TOIR DE FRANCE LEGEND OF THE DAY
Raymond Poulidor (1936–2019) was one of the most beloved cyclists in French history. He competed as a professional from the early 1960s to the late 1970s and became famous for his repeated close calls at winning the Tour de France—without ever wearing the yellow jersey.
Raymond Poulidor was a French cyclist known as “The Eternal Second.” Born in 1936, he raced professionally from the late 1950s through the 1970s, becoming one of the most popular riders in Tour de France history.
Despite his many strong performances, Poulidor never won the Tour de France overall and never wore the yellow jersey, the symbol of the race leader. He finished on the podium eight times, often just behind great champions like Jacques Anquetil and Eddy Merckx.
Poulidor’s consistent effort, humility, and fighting spirit earned him the admiration of fans across France and beyond. His rivalry with Anquetil became one of the sport’s greatest stories, symbolizing a classic battle between two very different personalities.
Though he never took the top spot, Poulidor showed that success isn’t only about winning — it’s about heart, dedication, and earning respect through hard work.
His legacy lives on in French cycling culture, where he remains a beloved figure. His grandson, Mathieu van der Poel, is now a star in professional cycling, continuing the family tradition.
Raymond Poulidor is a reminder that sometimes the most memorable athletes are those who inspire through perseverance and passion, rather than just victory.
READ MORE ABOUT RAYMOND POULIDOR
The battle on Puy de Dôme: Raymond Poulidor’s closest chance at Tour de France glory
MORE RELATED TOPICS
A LESSER KNOWN CYCLIST WITH AN EXCITING STORY
René Vietto (1914–1988) was a French professional cyclist known for his climbing ability and strong performances in the Tour de France. He rose to fame in the 1934 edition of the race, where he gave up his bike and later his wheel to support team leader Antonin Magne. These sacrifices made him a national hero in France.
Beyond 1934, Vietto had a long and respected career. He won several Tour de France mountain stages across multiple years and wore the yellow jersey in 1938. In 1939, he finished second overall, his best result in the race. Vietto also won the Critérium National de la Route in 1939 and 1941, one of the most important French races at the time.
Though he never won the Tour de France, Vietto is remembered as a symbol of loyalty, determination, and excellence in French cycling.