Born in County Durham, Tom Simpson was one of Britain’s greatest cyclists. Specialising in pursuit racing, he won amateur medals at both the 1956 Olympics and the 1958 Commonwealth Games.
In 1959, Simpson moved to France, winning his first professional race, the Tour de Flanders, two years later. He was the first ever British rider to wear the Yellow Jersey, finishing 6th overall in the Tour de France of 1962. His pleasant disposition made him popular with both fans and the peloton. Sadly, in the thirteenth stage of the Tour of 1967, Simpson collapsed and died during an ascent of Mont Ventoux. He was 29 years old.
A memorial on the roadside close to where he died has since become a place of pilgrimage. His character and charm, but determination and will to win ensures that Tom, le plus fort will always be held in high esteem by his fellow cyclists..
| Tom And The Peloton, Ventoux Rouge | pack shot | fiche | |