Articles > Sports
Think you know the Tour de France enough to conquer Tour de France Stage Winners or Tour de France Classification Winners? Here’s the most successful riders in the Tour’s history based on stage wins.
Mark Cavendish – 35 Wins
Mark Cavendish, known as the “Manx Missile,” is celebrated as one of the greatest sprinters in cycling history. His Tour de France stage victories, totaling 35, give him the most stage wins ever, a record previously held by Eddy Merckx. Cavendish’s career has been marked by his explosive speed and tenacity, particularly in flat stages where he has consistently outpaced rivals. First making his mark in the 2008 Tour, he claimed multiple stage victories, and his success continued over numerous Tours, highlighted by his 2021 return to the Tour after several years without a stage win. Cavendish’s record-breaking achievement cements his status as a Tour de France legend, and his resilience in overcoming setbacks has inspired fans worldwide.
Eddy Merckx – 34 Wins
Eddy Merckx, known as “The Cannibal” for his relentless racing style, dominated cycling like no other. With 34 Tour de France stage wins, he held the record for decades until matched by Cavendish. Merckx’s Tour victories were not limited to sprints but included mountain stages and time trials, underscoring his versatility. Winning the Tour five times overall, Merckx was known for his aggressive tactics and commitment to winning every stage possible, a reflection of his nickname. His achievements at the Tour de France were instrumental in securing his legacy as one of cycling’s all-time greats.
Bernard Hinault – 28 Wins
Bernard Hinault, nicknamed “The Badger,” was a fierce competitor who claimed 28 Tour de France stage victories over his illustrious career. Known for his grit and determination, Hinault could excel in various terrains, taking wins in both mountainous stages and time trials. His five overall Tour victories are a testament to his strategic acumen and physical prowess. Hinault remains the last Frenchman to have won the Tour, adding to his legendary status in his home country and securing his place among the sport’s greatest.
André Leducq – 25 Wins
André Leducq, a charismatic French cyclist from the early 20th century, amassed 25 Tour de France stage victories. Competing during the 1920s and 1930s, Leducq’s infectious personality and thrilling stage wins endeared him to fans. Leducq won the Tour overall twice, in 1930 and 1932, solidifying his status as a national hero in France. His versatility and determination in both flat and hilly stages helped him accumulate an impressive number of wins, and his contributions to French cycling history remain significant.
André Darrigade – 22 Wins
Known for his speed and agility, André Darrigade was one of the most formidable sprinters in the history of the Tour de France, achieving 22 stage wins between 1953 and 1964. Darrigade’s sprinting prowess made him a regular feature at the front of the peloton in flat stages. While he never won the Tour overall, his stage wins contributed significantly to his team’s success. Darrigade’s legacy as one of France’s premier sprinters is reflected in his impressive Tour record and his enduring popularity among French cycling fans.
Nicolas Frantz – 20 Wins
Luxembourg’s Nicolas Frantz, with 20 Tour de France stage wins, was a dominant force in the late 1920s. Known for his endurance and resilience, Frantz won the overall Tour twice, in 1927 and 1928. His stage victories were achieved across various terrains, showcasing his adaptability and strength. Frantz was instrumental in establishing Luxembourg’s reputation in cycling, and his contributions to the Tour have been celebrated for generations.
François Faber – 19 Wins
François Faber, originally from Luxembourg, became a celebrated French cyclist and a Tour de France legend with 19 stage wins. Competing in the early 20th century, Faber’s wins were notable for their strategic and bold nature. In 1909, he became the first non-French cyclist to win the Tour overall. His physical strength and fearlessness set him apart in an era when the Tour was grueling and highly demanding.
Tadej Pogacar – 17 Wins
Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar, with 17 Tour stage wins, has rapidly become one of the most exciting talents in modern cycling. Known for his ability in the mountains and his tactical acumen, Pogacar won the overall Tour twice by age 23, and he continues to impress with his consistent stage performances. Pogacar’s early success suggests a bright future, with many more stage wins likely to come.
Jean Alavoine – 17 Wins
Jean Alavoine was a renowned French cyclist from the early 20th century, securing 17 Tour de France stage wins. Competing during a challenging era of cycling, Alavoine was known for his versatility across both flat and mountainous stages. His achievements remain a significant part of Tour history, and his determination on the road inspired many French fans and future cyclists.
Jacques Anquetil – 16 Wins
Jacques Anquetil, the first cyclist to win the Tour de France five times, achieved 16 stage victories during his career. Known for his prowess in time trials, Anquetil revolutionized cycling strategy with his meticulous approach. His Tour achievements solidified his legacy as one of France’s and cycling’s greatest talents.
René Le Grèves – 16 Wins
René Le Grèves, a successful sprinter from the 1930s, earned 16 stage wins at the Tour de France. Known for his finishing speed, Le Grèves became a French crowd favorite, especially in flat stages. His impressive record at the Tour underscores his impact on French cycling during his career.
Charles Pélissier – 16 Wins
Charles Pélissier was a prolific stage winner in the 1930s, with 16 Tour de France stage victories. Known for his aggressive racing style, Pélissier’s performances were particularly notable during the 1930 Tour, where he won eight stages. His impact on French cycling history remains notable, and he is remembered as one of the early stars of the Tour.
Marcel Kittel – 15 Wins
German sprinter Marcel Kittel was a dominant force in the early 2010s, amassing 15 Tour de France stage wins. Known for his powerful sprint finish, Kittel’s rivalry with Cavendish added excitement to the Tour. His sprinting prowess made him one of the standout cyclists of his generation.
Freddy Maertens – 15 Wins
Belgian cyclist Freddy Maertens was known for his exceptional sprinting ability, earning 15 Tour de France stage wins. Competing primarily in the 1970s, Maertens’ victories were often marked by his powerful acceleration. Though he never won the Tour overall, his stage wins contributed to his legacy as one of Belgium’s top cyclists.
