Remembering Raymond Poulidor - A Tribute To The Eternal Second
One of the most admired figures in French sport, the cyclist Raymond Poulidor, died 4 years ago at the age of 83. Affectionately nicknamed ‘the Eternal Second’ as a consequence of his many frustrated efforts to win the Tour De France, Poulidor nevertheless enjoyed an extremely long career - the time between the first and final races he participated in amounting to a total of 17 years - characterised by a stunning capacity for physical and psychological endurance.
Stage 9 of the 2023 Tour de France began last Sunday in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, the village where Poulidor spent the majority of his years. And since Poulidor’s grandson, Mathieu van der Poel, is competing in this year's race representing Alpecin-Deceuninck, he and his team have decided to use this occasion to spearhead a charity auction in memory of the village’s former resident.
The money raised by the auction will go to the “Merci Poupou Funds” - a charity dedicated to promoting exercise to children, adolescents and individuals with disabilities - and the items of clothing offered within it (a collection of jerseys and sunglasses) have all been worn and signed by members of the Alpecin-Deceuninck Cycling Team.
Click here to check out the auction.