The "eternal runner-up", who never won the Tour de France, is one of the most popular athletes in French history.
The images of his elbow duel in the 1964 Tour de France are famous and unforgotten: Jacques Anquetil and Poulidor pedalled doggedly shoulder to shoulder up the Puy de Dome. Poulidor overtook his rival at the end of the stage, but once again his great rival won the Tour of France. Anquetil was the first professional cyclist to win the Tour five times.
Although Poulidor made it onto the podium a total of eight times in Paris, he never wore the yellow jersey. It was particularly tragic in 1968 when Poulidor, who had started as the favourite, crashed on the 15th stage after a collision with a press motorbike and had to abandon the race due to a serious head injury. Poulidor ended his cycling career in 1977.
"Poupou, we will never forget you," tweeted the official Twitter account of the Tour de France. He had already been hospitalised in October, the broadcaster Franceinfo reported. French President Emmanuel Macron honoured Poulidor's outstanding achievements, courage and bravery on Twitter. ""Poupou", forever a yellow jersey in the hearts of the French."
