The Generation of Racing Cyclists Who Changed Their Nation and the Tour de France

Colombia Es Pasion!: The Generation of Racing Cyclists Who Changed Their Nation and the Tour de France

by Matt Rendell

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21690 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	314 pages

FREE

In the early 1900s, cycling was a popular sport in France, but it was dominated by foreign riders. French cyclists had not won the Tour de France, the most prestigious cycling race in the world, since 1909.

That all changed in 1930, when a group of young French riders emerged who would dominate the sport for the next decade. These riders, known as the "Golden Generation," included Antonin Magne, André Leducq, and Georges Speicher.

The Golden Generation was a new breed of cyclist. They were not content to simply follow the leaders. They were aggressive racers who were willing to take risks. They also trained harder than any previous generation of cyclists.

As a result of their hard work and dedication, the Golden Generation quickly rose to the top of the sport. In 1931, Magne won the Tour de France, becoming the first French rider to win the race in 22 years. Leducq won the Tour in 1932 and 1934, and Speicher won in 1933.

The Golden Generation's success not only changed French cycling, but it also had a profound impact on the Tour de France. Before the Golden Generation, the Tour was a race that was dominated by individual riders. However, the Golden Generation showed that teamwork could be just as important as individual talent.

The Golden Generation's legacy is still felt today. Their success helped to inspire a new generation of French cyclists, and it also helped to make the Tour de France one of the most popular sporting events in the world.

Individual Profiles

### Antonin Magne

Antonin Magne was born in 1904 in the Auvergne region of France. He began racing as a teenager, and he quickly showed a talent for the sport. Magne was a strong climber and a good time trialist. He also had a good tactical sense.

Magne turned professional in 1927, and he quickly became one of the top riders in France. He won the Tour de France in 1931, and he finished on the podium four other times.

Magne was also a successful track cyclist. He won the world championship in the individual pursuit in 1933.

After retiring from racing, Magne became a cycling coach. He coached the French national team for many years, and he helped to develop some of the greatest cyclists in French history.

### André Leducq

André Leducq was born in 1904 in the Pas-de-Calais region of France. He began racing as a teenager, and he quickly showed a talent for the sport. Leducq was a strong sprinter and a good time trialist. He also had a good tactical sense.

Leducq turned professional in 1927, and he quickly became one of the top riders in France. He won the Tour de France in 1932 and 1934, and he finished on the podium three other times.

Leducq was also a successful track cyclist. He won the world championship in the individual pursuit in 1931.

After retiring from racing, Leducq became a cycling coach. He coached the French national team for many years, and he helped to develop some of the greatest cyclists in French history.

### Georges Speicher

Georges Speicher was born in 1907 in the Alsace region of France. He began racing as a teenager, and he quickly showed a talent for the sport. Speicher was a strong climber and a good time trialist. He also had a good tactical sense.

Speicher turned professional in 1927, and he quickly became one of the top riders in France. He won the Tour de France in 1933, and he finished on the podium four other times.

Speicher was also a successful track cyclist. He won the world championship in the individual pursuit in 1935.

After retiring from racing, Speicher became a cycling coach. He coached the French national team for many years, and he helped to develop some of the greatest cyclists in French history.

The Golden Generation of French racing cyclists was one of the most successful generations in the history of the sport. They changed their nation and the Tour de France forever. Their legacy continues to inspire cyclists to this day.

Colombia Es Pasion!: The Generation of Racing Cyclists Who Changed Their Nation and the Tour de France

by Matt Rendell

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21690 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	314 pages

FREE