In 1952 the first summit finish in the Tour de France was at the Alpe d’Huez (1.880m). Fausto Coppi placed an attack 6 kilometers underneath the summit and became the first winner. It was the first stage from Tour de France ever broadcasted live. A legendary finish, as he graphed the yellow jersey with 1 second difference.
It’s hard to believe that this stage win wasn’t branded a success by the race organizer. The climb wasn’t used again until 1976 and since then, the Alpe d’Huez has made more Tour champions. No other stage has had such drama. With its 21 bends, its gradient and the number of spectators, it is a climb in the style of Hollywood. Only Fausto Coppi, Lance Armstrong and Carlos Sastre have been able to take the maillot jaune on the Alpe d’Huez and to keep it to Paris.
