The first rider to win five Tours de France, Jacques Anquetil was a figure whose legendary status in the sport was put into sharp relief by the contradictions in his character. Anquetil was the outstanding rider of his generation, gifted with a cast iron constitution and massive strength and stamina. He used his talents to crush the opposition in his five Tour wins as well as in the Tours of Italy and Spain, yet he ignored the Classics and one-day races.

Anquetil came into the sport as color photography was becoming more widespread. Contemporary images show an immaculately coiffured blond with a technicolor yellow jersey and impossibly pale blue eyes. He cultivated a playboy image, driving a fast car and marrying a glamorous platinum blonde, but he also played up to his roots as a famer's son from Normandy. Anquetil was also renowned for his reputation as a bon viveur, eating rich foods and indulging in Champagne and beer even during races.

Jacques Anquetil Tour Wins

• 1957 Jacques Anquetil; 2, Marcel Janssens; 3, Adolf Christian
• 1961 Jacques Anquetil; 2, Guido Carlesi; 3, Charly Gaul
• 1962 Jacques Anquetil; 2, Jozef Planckaert; 3, Raymond Poulidor
• 1963 Jacques Anquetil; 2, Federico Bahamontes; 3, Jose Perez Frances
• 1964 Jacques Anquetil; 2, Raymond Poulidor; 3, Federica Bahamontes