Jacques Anquetil was a prominent French professional cyclist known for his exceptional time-trialling skills and multiple Grand Tour victories.
Birth and Early Life: Jacques Anquetil was born on January 8, 1934, in Mont-Saint-Aignan, France. He began cycling at a young age and quickly demonstrated talent.
Grand Tour Success: Anquetil’s claim to fame is his record in the Grand Tours, particularly the Tour de France, where he achieved five overall victories (1957, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964). He was the first cyclist in history to win the Tour five times, a record later matched by Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain.
Time-Trial Expertise: Anquetil was a master of the individual time trial, earning him the nickname “Monsieur Chrono.” His proficiency in this discipline contributed significantly to his Grand Tour victories.
Other Achievements: In addition to his Tour de France wins, Anquetil also secured victories in other Grand Tours, including the Giro d’Italia in 1960 and the Vuelta a España in 1963. He also won prestigious one-day races and stage races, showcasing his versatility.
Controversy and Legacy: Anquetil’s career was not without controversy. He was open about using performance-enhancing drugs, which was common in cycling at the time. Despite this, his achievements and unique approach to racing have left a lasting impact on the sport.
Cause of Death: He passed away on November 18, 1987, at the age of 53, due to complications from stomach cancer. After a diagnosis in May 1987, Anquetil continued with his commentary duties before undergoing a significant surgical procedure to remove his stomach in August. He died at the Saint Hilaire Clinic in Rouen, surrounded by his family.
Height and Weight
Jacques Anquetil was known to have a height of about 1.76 m (5 ft 9+1⁄2 in) and a weight of approximately 70 kg (154 lb). These measurements contributed to his aerodynamic physique and his effectiveness as a cyclist, particularly in time-trialing and endurance events.
Bike Size
Typically, professional cyclists use frames that fit their height, leg length, and reach requirements, with customizations such as saddle height, stem length, and handlebar width to ensure comfort and optimal riding posture. While the exact frame size Anquetil used might not be readily available, a general rule for road bikes for a person of his height would be in the range of 54 to 56 centimeters for frame size, with adjustments for personal preference and aerodynamic considerations.
How many times Jacques Anquetil won the Tour de France?
Jacques Anquetil won the Tour de France five times. His victories came in the following years: 1957, 1961, 1962, 1963, and 1964. He was the first cyclist in history to achieve five Tour de France victories, a record that later influenced other cycling greats.
How many times Jacques Anquetil won the Giro D’Italia?
Jacques Anquetil won the Giro d’Italia once, in 1960. This victory demonstrated his versatility and ability to compete at a high level in multiple Grand Tours.
Jacques Anquetil’s Net Worth
The exact net worth of Jacques Anquetil at the time of his death in 1987 isn’t publicly documented. Anquetil, as a prominent cyclist with a successful career, likely earned income from various sources, including race winnings, endorsements, sponsorships, and later, his role as a commentator.
However, it’s important to note that professional cycling in Anquetil’s era wasn’t as lucrative as it is today, with significant prize money and endorsement deals.