62nd Tour de France 1975

Thevenet Exploits a Vulnerable Merckx

SPECIAL NOTE: Three major innovations were introduced in 1975:

The Tour Ending Finish Line was Moved- Tour organizers recognized the increasing popularity of the final stage spectacle and moved the finish line from the Parisian velodrome finish (Parc des Princes Velodrome 1903-1967, Vincennes Velodrome 1968-1974) to the Champs Elysees. 

King of the Mountains- Although the Best Climber Category had been in place since 1933, it was not until 1975 that the organizers awarded a distinctive jersey to the best climber. The Maillot Pois (Polka Dot Jersey) was sponsored by Poulain Chocolates. The candy company wanted increased public exposure for its products and jumped at the chance to sponsor a Tour jersey. The white jersey with red polka dots was chosen for the sponsor’s distinctive candy bar wrapper. Over the years the Polka Dot Jersey has become the second most recognizable jersey in cycling.

Best Young Rider Prize- The Maillot Blanc (White Jersey) had always meant the lead rider in the Combination Classification (best rider in the overall, points and climbing competitions).  In 1975 the Best Young (under 26 years of age) Rider Classification was awarded the Maillot Blanc.  The classification was calculated the same as the Maillot Jaune (race leader’s Yellow Jersey), but only available to young riders.

Eddy “the Cannibal” Merckx enters the 1975 Tour de France in search of a record setting sixth championship. Young Italian star Francesco Moser won the prologue time trial in Charleroi, Belgium by 2 seconds over defending champion Eddy Merckx. This dynamic-duo took turns setting a torrid pace on the early, flat stages. By the end of the flat days racing Merckx and Moser had gained 1’30” on the contenders Bernard Thevenet and Lucien Van Impe. 

Bernard Thevenet had moved up into third place in the General Classification and seemed primed for a great battle with Merckx in the Pyrenees Mountains. A brutal Stage 11 featured the climbs of the Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin, and the finishing climb to Pla d’Adet. Lucien Van Impe won the first two climbs and drove the pace toward the Pla d’Adet. At the bottom of the final 8 km climb Thevenet attacked the lead group. Merckx, Joop Zoetemelk, Van Impe and Luis Ocana quickly chased the move. Once caught Zoetemelk was the next to attack. Thevenet was the only one to respond. The inspired Dutchman rode away and gained a 6 second stage win ahead of Thevenet with Merckx struggling in with Van Impe 55 seconds behind. Merckx retained the Maillot Jaune, but the Cannibal showed his first sign of weakness in the mountains. 

The finishing climb on the Puy de Dome (12 km, 7%) was next on the schedule. Just over halfway up the finishing climb, Thevenet charged off the front with Van Impe in tow. The two slowly pulled away from Merckx and a struggling Zoetemelk. The race leader, trying to limit him time loss, was forced to do all the work in pursuit of the breakaway. Near the top of the climb, an angry, drunken fan jumped onto the road and delivered a punch to Merckx’s kidney.  He staggered in pain and gasped for breath but continued to climb. Slowed by the punch he did not catch the breakaway, but held on to finish third. Van Impe took the stage win 15 second ahead of Thevenet and 49 seconds ahead of Merckx. Thevenet cut further into the overall lead and now trailed Merckx by only 58 seconds as the Tour headed into the Alps.

The Tour continued after a rest day in Nice with a 5-climb stage, which finished at the summit of the Pra Loup. On the third climb of the day, the Col des Champs, Thevenet rode confidently, attacking 6 times in an effort to crack the race leader. Merckx was able to cover all of Thevenet’s moves. Merckx launched an attack of his own on the descent. The ever-vigilant Thevenet managed to catch Merckx in the valley just before the Col d’Allos. The always-aggressive Maillot Jaune, searching for weakness, attacks again on the Allos. Over the top with a lead, he plunges down the descent. On the narrow bumpy road, Merckx took all the risks necessary to gain time. He sailed through the bottom of the descent with over a minute lead on the chasers. The Cannibal now sets his sights on the final climb to the top of Pra Loup. He had a 2-minute lead on the elite chasers as the road turned upward.

Merckx was 6 km from putting the race out of reach. However, the solo breakaway effort had taken its toll and Merckx begins to slow. Gimondi was the first to catch the leader, then Thevenet, then Van Impe and Zoetemelk. The Frenchman sensed a weakness and sprinted by the tired race leader. Thevenet took the stage win by 1’58” over Merckx and took the Maillot Jaune. 

Eddy Merckx has one intention at the start of stage 17 in Valloire, get the Maillot Jaune back. Merckx launched an all-out attack from the starting line. His speed was high and slid out crashing heavily. Although injured, he remounted his bicycle and continued the race. His injuries included a bruised hip and knee, as well as a broken jaw, but he continued to ride hard. Although struggling to breathe, he refused treatment. By the end of the stage, the injured Cannibal had finished third, 2 second ahead of Thevenet. The 'never say die' Belgian was fighting all adversities to the end. 

Gamely Merckx gained another 15 seconds on the final ITT in Chatel, but the finish in Paris was only four flat stages away. When the Tour reached the new finish on the Champs Elysees, Thevenet had an insurmountable 2’47” lead on Merckx. He cruised down the Champs Elysees for his first grand Tour victory. 

Gracious in defeat the second placed Merckx said, “I tried everything and it didn’t work. It’s always the strongest that wins, and the strongest is Thevenet.”  The winner returned the compliment saying, “Tell me who was second to you and I will tell you the value of your victory.” 

SPECIAL NOTE: The first winner of the Maillot Pois (Polka Dot Jersey) was Belgian Lucien Van Impe, who also finished third overall

SPECIAL NOTE: The first ever winner of a Tour de France road stage on the Champs Elysees was the Flemish Bulldog Walter Godefroot.

TdF 1974

TdF 1976

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