Raymond Poulidor is considered one of the most popular cyclists in France and lived in the municipality of Saint-Leonard-de-Noblat. The 9th stage of this year's Tour de France, which ended with a climb up the Puy de Dome, started in this town. Although Poulidor himself never won the Tour de France, he finished second three times. His greatest rival was Jacques Anquetil. Poulidor's elbow duel with Anquetil during the 1964 Tour on the Puy de Dome was legendary. Like his grandson Mathieu van der Poel, Poulidor also won the Milan-San Remo cycling monument.
Canyon Aeroad by Mathieu van der Poel with special paint job
Shortly before the start of the stage, Mathieu van der Poel visited the grave of "Poupou" together with Tour race director Christian Prudhomme. In honour of his late grandfather, the Dutchman also rode his white Canyon Aeroad in a special livery. The top tube is adorned with images from cycling moments of Raymond Poulidor. He is also prominently depicted on the head tube of the racing bike, while the words "Merci Poupou" can be read on the seat stay.
