Maurice Garin

Date of BirthMarch 3, 1871
Place of BirthArvier, Italy
NationalityFrench
HeightN/A
WeightN/A
DisciplineRoad cycling
RoleRider
Professional Career1893 – 1904
Best Known ForWinning the first Tour de France in 1903

Maurice Garin was a French competitive road cyclist who was born in Arvier, Italy, on March 3, 1871. In 1893, he began his riding career and rapidly achieved notoriety for his endurance and climbing prowess.

In 1903, Garin competed in the inaugural Tour de France, an arduous event spanning over 2,400 kilometers. The odds-on favorite to win the event, Garin won four of the six stages and finished more than two hours ahead of the runner-up. Garin went on to win the Tour de France in 1904, becoming the first rider to do so twice.

Garin was renowned for his persistence and aggressive riding style, as he frequently attacked his opponents and took risks during races. During races, he would often work on his own bike as a talented technician.

Garin worked as a farmer and a factory worker outside of cycling. During World War I, he was also a prisoner of war, although he was liberated in 1917.

But, Maurice Garin’s cycling career was not devoid of scandal. In 1904, he was accused of cheating by taking a train during one of the stages of the Tour de France. After denying the claims, Garin was stripped of his victory and banned from racing for two years.

The following are Maurice Garin’s greatest accomplishments:

YearAchievement
1903Winner of the first Tour de France
1904Winner of the Tour de France
1901Winner of Paris-Roubaix
1897Winner of Paris-Tours
1898Winner of Bordeaux-Paris
1901Winner of Paris-Brussels
1900Winner of Milan-San Remo

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