Through his battles to catch the lead group up the Mt. Ventoux climb after a tortuous stage held in caldron-like temperatures, he collapsed on the barren slopes.

He asked to be put back on his bike where he proceeded a few moments then collapsed again, this time for good.

He died on that stage after consuming a cocktail of amphetamines designed to allow him to push his body through that extra effort.

Unfortunately they may have ruined his ability to handle the heat and been responsible for his death.

He was also the first Briton to win the World Championship Road Race.

He did so in 1965 in front of Rudi Altig of Germany and Roger Swerts of Belgium.

Simpson was also 4th in 1959 event behind Andre Darrigade of France, Michele Gismondi of Italy, and Noel Fore of Belgium.

In addition, he was 4th in the 1964 event behind Jan Janssen of Holland, Vittorio Adorni of Italy, and Raymond Poulidor of France.

In the five monuments of cycling, Simpson won the Tour of Flanders Classic in 1961.

He also won the Milan-San Remo Classic in 1964.

In addition, he won the Tour of Lombardy Classic in 1965.

In all, he won three out of the five cycling monuments. In non-Cycling Hall of Fame.com events, Tom won the 1967 Paris-Nice stage race.