Jacques Anquetil

BornJanuary 8, 1934 in Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
DiedNovember 18, 1987 in Rouen, France
NationalityFrench
Height1.82 m (5 ft 11 1⁄2 in)
Weight72 kg (159 lb)
Professional career1953-1969
TeamsHelyett, Saint-Raphael, Ford France, Bic, Gitane, Faema
Major achievements5-time Tour de France winner, 2-time Giro d’Italia winner, 1-time Vuelta a España winner, 1-time World Road Race champion

Jacques Anquetil was a French professional road cyclist. Anquetil, who was born on January 8, 1934 in Mont-Saint-Aignan, France, was recognized for his smooth riding style and aptitude to time trial. He began his professional career in 1953 and rode for numerous teams, including Helyett, Saint-Raphael, Ford France, Bic, Gitane, and Faema.

One of Anquetil’s most notable accomplishments was winning the Tour de France five times between 1957 and 1964. He also won the Giro d’Italia twice, in 1960 and 1964, and the Vuelta a Espaa once, in 1963. In addition to these significant successes, Anquetil won a number of notable events throughout his career, including the Paris-Nice, the Dauphiné Libéré, and the Grand Prix des Nations.

Anquetil was noted for his rivalry with fellow French cyclist Raymond Poulidor, and the two riders battled against each other in multiple Tour de France races. Anquetil was also a controversial figure in cycling because he was one of the first racers to utilize performance-enhancing medications. Despite this, he remains one of the sport’s most successful riders.

Anquetil resigned from professional cycling in 1969 and went on to become a French television pundit. He died on November 18, 1987, in Rouen, France, at the age of 53.

Jacques Anquetil’s Greatest Achievements

YearAchievement
1957Tour de France winner
1960Giro d’Italia winner
1961Paris-Nice winner
1962Dauphiné Libéré winner
1963Vuelta a España winner
1964Giro d’Italia winner
1964Tour de France winner

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