The Tour de France, a legendary cycling event, has witnessed some truly exceptional riders over the years. Ranking these champions is a challenging task, but it's a delightful debate for cycling enthusiasts. This year, the Tour takes on an even more intriguing dimension as the reigning champion, Tadej Pogačar, aims for his fifth victory, a feat that would place him alongside cycling legends.
The Greats of the Tour
In this ranking, we delve into the world of General Classification (GC) riders, those who fought for and claimed the iconic yellow jersey. While modern cycling relies heavily on data, ranking these Tour greats remains largely a matter of personal opinion and interpretation.
Stephen Roche: The Exception
Our list begins with a notable exception, Stephen Roche. Winning the Tour de France is an incredible feat, but Roche's triumph in 1987 was part of an even more extraordinary accomplishment. He arrived at the Tour after winning the Giro d'Italia, a victory that caused quite a stir within his team and among the Italian public. Roche's heroic ride on La Plagne secured his place in cycling history, and his subsequent win at the World Championships made him the second rider, after Eddy Merckx, to achieve the prestigious Triple Crown in the same year.
Laurent Fignon: The Unsung Hero
Laurent Fignon, a two-time Tour winner in 1983 and 1984, is perhaps best remembered for the edition he lost in 1989. However, this is an unfair assessment. Fignon, known as 'Le Professeur', was a dominant force in his own right. He won his first Tour as a young debutant, replacing the injured Bernard Hinault, and a year later, he beat Hinault by over 10 minutes, an impressive feat achieved with six stage wins. Fignon's accomplishments that year were remarkable, including wins at the Giro d'Italia, Milan-San Remo, and prestigious time trials.
Miguel Induráin: The Fondly Remembered Champion
Miguel Induráin's five consecutive Tour wins, from 1991 to 1995, are a testament to his greatness. Yet, his dominance in the time trial might overshadow some of the passion surrounding his reign. While most of his stage wins at the Tour came against the clock, Induráin was also a formidable climber and a domestique deluxe for Pedro Delgado, the 1988 champion.
Jonas Vingegaard: The Challenger
Jonas Vingegaard has never finished lower than second in the Tour de France, but his victories over Tadej Pogačar in 2022 and 2023 are what truly define his greatness. His Tour-winning performances on the Col du Granon, Hautacam, and in the time trial from Passy to Combloux are unforgettable. Despite recent challenges, including life-threatening injuries, Vingegaard remains a formidable contender, and a third Tour victory is always a possibility.
Chris Froome: The Paradoxical Champion
Chris Froome, a four-time Tour winner, defies expectations. Off the bike, he's a gentleman, but on it, he's an ungainly yet fearless racer. Froome was the leader of Team Sky, a winning machine known for its relentless approach. Despite criticism for riding to numbers, Froome's instinctive attacking style and ruthless winning mentality made him a unique champion. His extraordinary descent from the Col de Peyresourde in 2016 is a lasting image of his fearless racing.
Jacques Anquetil: The Bold Strategist
Jacques Anquetil, the first rider to win five Tours, was a bold and confident rider. He announced his intention to wear the yellow jersey from start to finish, a bold strategy that paid off. Anquetil, known as 'Monsieur Chrono', was a supreme stylist and a consistent performer, winning eight Grand Tours in seven years. His dominance in the time trial set a template for future champions.
Bernard Hinault: The Pugnacious Patron
Bernard Hinault, France's last Tour winner, achieved an impressive quintet of victories from 1978 to 1985. Known as 'Le Blaireau' ('The Badger'), Hinault was a dominant force in the peloton. With 10 Grand Tour wins, including two Giro-Tour doubles, and victories in five Monuments and a World Championship, Hinault's greatness was evident. He was a superb time triallist and an effective climber, and he even won twice in sprints on the Champs-Élysées.
Greg LeMond: The Innovator
Greg LeMond, a three-time Tour winner, would likely have joined the exclusive 'five club' if not for a hunting accident that cost him two prime years. LeMond possessed an exceptional VO2 max, resilience, and a drive for innovation. He was an early adopter of carbon-fibre frames and aero gains, and his victories in 1986 and 1989, considered the greatest editions, are a testament to his skill. LeMond's triumph over Hinault in 1986 and his eight-second win over Fignon in 1989 are iconic moments in Tour history.
Tadej Pogačar: The Sensational Newcomer
Tadej Pogačar's first Tour victory in 2020 was a shock to the cycling world. His performance in the penultimate stage time trial on La Planche des Belles Filles was electrifying, and his three subsequent Tour wins have only added to his legend. Pogačar's achievements extend beyond the Tour, with victories in Monument Classics, World Championships, and the Triple Crown. He, like Merckx before him, is a rider who seeks challenges beyond the Tour.
Eddy Merckx: The Undisputed Champion
And finally, we arrive at the undisputed champion, Eddy Merckx. Merckx's five Tour titles are just a small part of his remarkable career, which yielded an astounding 525 victories. In 1969, he won every classification at the Tour, and he completed the Giro-Tour double on three occasions. Merckx's resilience and determination are legendary, as seen in his second-place finish in 1975 after being punched by a spectator.
A Deeper Analysis
This ranking highlights the diverse skills and personalities of these Tour de France champions. From the heroic rides of Stephen Roche and Laurent Fignon to the consistent dominance of Miguel Induráin and the fearless racing of Chris Froome, each rider has left an indelible mark on the sport. The Tour de France continues to inspire and captivate, and these champions will forever be a part of its rich history.
