Gerardmer is a new stage finish.
July 9th in the Tour
- Alfredo Binda's history in the sport lies in his native Italy,
where until last year he held the record for Giro d'Italia stage
wins. But in 1930 he poached one in France, winning in Pau. He
would win the mountain stage the day following in Bagneres-de-
Luchon. And then never again in the Tour. He much preferred
Italy.
- Roger Lapebie won today's stage to Digne in 1937. He would
follow that with the overall victory, becoming the first rider
to win the Tour using a derailleur.
- Merckx? Yes, of course. Briancon to Digne-les-Bains in 1969,
identical to this year's Stage 12.
- Steve Bauer snuck into an early breakaway in 1990 and won
the yellow jersey by virtue of his superior prologue. He would
carry it for over a week, earning his last one on this date.
No Canadian has worn it since.
- Jan Svorada is the only native of Slovakia to win a stage in
the Tour. And it first happened on this date in 1994.
Bob Schwartz
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