Tour de France Moments
Lance and “The Look” – In 2001, Lance Armstrong looked to be showing signs of weakness in the Alpe d’Huez stage. Armstrong then proved his dominance, moving past the group. Just before separating himself with ease from Jan Ulrich and the rest of the group, Lance turned and gave them what is now commonly referred to as “The Look”.
Merckx’s rookie year- In 1969 a young Eddy Merckx entered the Tour de France as a rookie. Merckx showed his strength early on, winning multiple stages. When the Tour reached the Pyrenees, he broke off the front unintentionally. Realizing what had happened, Merckx decided to continue on without the group. What is often a foolish move, proved not enough to stop Merckx as he easily took the stage and introduced himself as star of the sport for years to come.
Vietto’s Great Sacrifice – Rene Vietto’s action in the 1934 edition of the tour epitomizes the role of a support rider. Vietto’s team leader and tour favorite Antonin Magne suffered multiple setbacks including a smashed wheel. Despite Vietto’s own success with 4 stage wins and a shot to win the entire Tour, Vietto repeatedly came to Magne’s rescue. When the young Rene dropped turned around to climb a descent back to aid Magne, his shot at winning the tour was shot. Antonin Magne went on to win the tour with Rene Vietto finishing in fifth.
Lance goes mountain biking – In 2004 when a rider crashed at high speed on a descent just in front of Lance Armstrong on a turn, Lance was forced off the road. Displaying amazing bike handling skills, Lance rode down the grassy hill and met the group where the road came around after a switchback. Not something you typically see in a road race!
Pantani and Alpe d’Huez – Marco Pantani set the record for the fastest ascent of Alpe d’Huez with blistering time of 37 minutes and 35 seconds. The record was set in 1997 and still has yet to be beaten today.
Super Mario – In 1999 Mario Cippolini, an Italian cyclist known for his flashy style and personality, won stage 4 of the Tour de France. Mario then went on to win 3 more stages in a row, an achievement that had not been done since before WWII.
First American Win – Bernard Hinault appeared locked in for a 6th Tour de France win in 1986, despite having promised to support Greg LeMond. When Hinault overestimated his strength in the Pyrenees, Greg LeMond caught his rival ultimately stealing the Tour and becoming the first American to win.
LeMond and the Final Time Trial – 
Heading into the final stage in 1989, Greg LeMond trailed yellow jersey holder Laurent Fignon by nearly a minute. The final stage was a time trial, Fignon’s specialty. LeMond went on to average an incredible 54.5 km per hour and chip away at Fignon’s lead, stealing the jersey and winning his 2nd Tour.
Lance and the Crash – Lance Armstrong’s career is filled moments so dramatic it appears to be made for television, but the Tour de France of 2003 may have been his greatest moment. His shot at his fifth tour win appeared to be slipping away with a crash in an early stage and a poor time trial performance. When Armstrong collided with a spectator and Jan Ulrich blasted onward, it appeared to be over. Lance got back in the saddle caught Ulrich, passing him, and soloed to a stage victory in epic fashion.
Ocana and Merckx – The 1971 edition of the Tour de France appeared to be for the taking by favorite Eddy Merckx. Spaniard cyclist Luis Ocana gradually put on a 10 minute lead on the already 2-time champion, Merckx, and looked to be headed to victory. Well in the lead in the Pyrenees, Ocana crashed on the descent, giving Merckx the lead. Merckx went on to win the Tour, but refused to wear the yellow jersey in honor of Ocana.
