Raymond Poulidor (born 15 April 1936, Masbaraud-Mérignat, Creuse, France), is a former professional bicycle racer. He was known as the eternal second, because he finished the Tour de France in second place three times, and in third place five times, including his final Tour at the age of 40. Despite his consistency, he never wore the Yellow Jersey in 14 Tours, of which he completed 12.
His career was distinguished, despite coinciding with two great riders - Jacques Anquetil and Eddy Merckx. This underdog position may have been the reason Poulidor was a favourite of the public.
Read more about Raymond Poulidor: Early Life, Early Career, The Anquetil Years, Anquetil-Poulidor: The Social Significance, Poupou, The Nickname, Poulidor: The First Drugs Test, The Merckx Years, Poulidor and Dr Mabuse, Teams, Retirement, Palmarès