The beginning of the Jacques Anquetil era. Anquetil a time-trial specialist, led
the 1961 tour from start to finish. This was his second tour win, his first
coming in 1957 and the first of four consecutive tour wins.
The tour returns to sponsored teams, marking an end to Desgrange's idea for
national teams.
1953
France's Louison Bobet's marks the tour's 50th anniversary with the first of
three consecutive wins.
1952-1953
Two of the most famous climbs of the tour, the Ventoux and the Alpe-d'Huez at
1,912 meters (6272.89 feet) and 1,860 meters (6,102.288 feet) respectively, are
added to the tour.
