Statue of cyclist Eugene Christophe, Sainte-Marie de Campan, Bigorre, France

Eugène Christophe was a professional racing cyclist who competed from 1904 to 1926. In 1919 he became the first wearer the Tour de France’s legendary yellow jersey. Christophe rode 11 Tours de France, finishing eight. This statue to him in Sainte-Marie de Campan refers to the 1913 race – when in the lead, Christophe broke his forks on the descent of the Col de Tourmalet. He walked to this village and had to repair his forks – without help, due to race rules – at a blacksmith’s forge. He was fined for having a boy assist, to work the bellows.

Stock photographs: Statue of Tour de France cyclist Eugène Cristophe

daev

Chief Bottle Washer at Blather

Writer, photographer, environmental campaigner and "known troublemaker" Dave Walsh is the founder of Blather.net, described both as "possibly the most arrogant and depraved website to be found either side of the majestic Shannon River", and "the nicest website circulating in Ireland". Half Irishman, half-bicycle. He lives in southern Irish city of Barcelona.