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| A memorial stone of Rene Pottier (in Ballon d'Alsace) |
His reputation as a fierce climber came on the first ever ascent of the Ballon d'Alsace in 1905.
Pottier was the only rider to finish the climb of the Ballon d'Alsace without walking any part of the mountain.
1906 Tour de France
Stage 3: Sunday, July 8, Nancy - Dijon, 416 km
Major Ascent: Ballon d'Alsace
1. René Pottier: 15hr 18min 41sec
2. Georges Passerieu @ 47min 52sec
3. Marcel Cadolle @ 47min 56sec
4. Lucien Petit-Breton @ 48min 29sec
5. Emile Georget @ 1hr 18min 29sec
6. Alois Catteau @ 1hr 18mn 30sec
7. Jean-Baptiste Dortignacq @ 1hr 18min 31sec
8. Augustin Ringeval @ 1hr 18min 32sec
9. Pierre Privat @ 1hr 23min 44sec
10. Hippolyte Aucouturier @ 2hr 54min 19sec
(for more details, plase see: bikeraceinfo)
Pottier's joy in his wonderful victory was short-lived. On January 25, 1907 a Peugeot team mechanic found him hanging from a hook used to hold his bicycle. His brother Andre claimed a failed love affair pushed this intense Frenchman over the edge. It was said that Pottier despaired after learning that his wife had engaged in an affair while he was riding the Tour.
Oh my god, they made 416 km that time, and with climbs!
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