Jacques Anquetil: Cycling
Jacques Anquetil (8 January 1934 – 18 November 1987) was a former French road racing cyclist, known to be one of the greatest cyclists ever. He is known for winning the Tour de France five times (1957, 1961 to 1964).
Greatest Sporting Achievements.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Aside from winning the Tour de France five times, a first for the French, Anquetil was also the first rider to win all three Grand Tours – Giro d’Italia twice and Vuelta a Espana once. His victories are only third behind Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault. He won a bronze medal during the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games in the Team time trial and a silver medal during the 1966 Nurburging World Championship Elite Men’s Road Race. Jacques Anquetil set several world records and he was inducted into the Cycling Hall of Fame.
Why Was He So Good?
Jacques Anquetil’s life was about winning almost everything there was to be won during his active professional career from 1951 to 1969. He was an excellent climber, as a time trialist, his expertise, in which during his career was considered the greatest ride ever. It was because of his expertise as a time trialist that resulted to his wins, not essentially by grit and willpower.
What You May Not Know
- He was a known party animal – he liked to drink expensive wines and fine foods.
- Jacques Anquetil retired in 1969 at the age of 35.
- He grew up on a strawberry farm in Normandy and during his teenage years, he rode his bike as a way to improve his income and social standing.
Related Pages
- More Cycling athletes
- About Cycling
- Athlete Database home
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