Europe gained some much needed distraction after World War II with the peaceful duels of the Tour de France, rapidly cementing its place as one of Euope's preeminent sports contests. Post World War Rivalries Henri Desgrange, the Tour de France founder, died in 1940. His successor was Jacque Goddet. The Germans tried to persuade Goddet to hold the race during the war years, but he refused. He considered the first race following the war, in 1947, to be an act of faith given the post-war shortages. Jean Robic of France won and this did much to improve the country's morale. The government even allowed the Tour to break the food rationing rules.
Italian Rivals Go at it Full Swing
The French win didn't last long. Two Italian rivals, Gino Bartali, tour winner in 1938, and Fausto Coppi, had lost most of their cycling careers to the war. But their bitter rivalry made the post-war Tours as exciting as ever. Bartali gap of 10 years between winning record or a tour. Louison Bobet had seized the yellow jersey early in the race but was Bartali won the victory when he flew over the Alps Bartali won with 26 minutes in 1948.
Vietto Rene-France 's King of the Hill
After the war, Vietto one of the few surviving members of the old guard. For a while it seemed that the race could win Vietto 1947. Even if you did not win, it wasthe Tour's king of the mountains. It's been said that wherever there were steep roads and thin air, Vietto was right there.
The winner that year, Robic, had promised his young bride that he would win the Tour de France because he didn't have a dowry.
In 1948, Bobet's popularity would increase. The Italian coach, Alfredo Binda, said, "If I had coached Bobet, he would have won." By this time, Bobet was known as "Louison."
The Italians arrived at the 1949 Tour prepared to win. They have with them, up and coming star, Fausto Coppi. Coppi and Bartali battle it out. Bartali loses by more than 10 minutes. Coppi won for the second time in 1952 by a stunning 28 minutes.
Switzerland Wins and France has a Golden Age
Switzerland has had only two victories on the Tour- in 1950 and 1951.
In 1950, the Italians look like they're ready to claim a third title. Bartali, and French rider, Jean Robic, are battling for driving in the mountains. aggressive fan not support them. Bartali was constantly harassed and nauseated, he ended the race. To show ended its support for their teammates, the whole Italian team also.
In 1951 Hugo Koblet was clearly the strongest rider. He claimed the yellow jersey after Wim Van Est was in a spectacular crash on the reefs of the Aubisque. Van Est, survived the crash, but in shock and could not continue. With Bobet, Kübler and Koblet all injured,the 1952 race was wide open. Coppi won again in 1952 but not until after being challenged by Robic most of the way. Robic was the victim of a flat tire.
Television was introduced to the Tour in 1952.
France succeeds again with the Tour's first hat trick. Louison Bobet won in 1953, 1954, and 1955. In 1955, Bobet destroyed his competition on Mount Ventoux, and this was the key to his third consecutive win.
France won again in 1956 with rider, Roger Walkowiak. He took the yellow jersey early on, and held onto it. France reveled in its golden age with another record-breaking ride and a new great rivalry.
Jacques Anquetil won five Tours between 1957 1nd 1964. But it was the story of Raymond Poulidor, the "eternal second," who placed second five times and third three times and he never once wore the jellow jersey. It was during this time that the Tour switched back to sponsored teams. This movement embraced commercial reality but still left much scope for histrionics. Enter Jacques Anquetil, who won in 1957 and winning again in 1961, 1962, 1963 and again in 1964. Despite these victories, Anquetil was not good in France. Poulidor would win a popularity contest in a heartbeat.
In 1959, saw France as Geminiani had a winning team with Anquetil, Riviere, Bobet, and all the national team. But instead of cooperation, working against each other. The Spaniard, Bahamontes Ferderico,won.
In 1960, he seemed so young Riviére was all ready to win. He beat the world record time and won 15 stages, it seemed they would. Then, the transition is Perjuret and 'crashed into a ravine and rode a bike. Gastone Nencini, won by Italy.
Taken
1947 Jean Robic (Fra)
1948 Gino Bartali (Ita)
1949 Fausto Coppi (Ita)
Ferdi Kubler 1950 (Swi)
Hugo Koblet 1951 (SWI)
1952 Fausto Coppi (Ita)
1953 Louison Bobet(Fra)
1954 Louison Bobet (Fra)
1955 Louison Bobet (Fra)
1956 Roger Walkowiak (Fra)
1957 Jacque Anquetil (Fra)
1958 Charly Gaul (Lux)
1959 Ferderico Bahamontes (Spa)
1960 Gastone Nencini (Ita)
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