Bernard Thevenet (1975)

A wonderful publicity shot from the later stages of the 1975 Tour de France, and one which represents a true “Line of Champions”. Depicted from left to right in the front row: Feliice Gimondi (Bianchi) winner of the 1965 Tour, Bernard Thevenet (Peugeot-BP-Michelin in the Maillot Jaune) winner of the Tour in both 1975 and 1977, Lucien Van Impe (Gitane in the Maillot a Pois Rouges or Polka Dots jersey) winner of the 1976 Tour, Joop Zoetemelk (GAN-Mercier) winner of the 1980 Tour, and Eddy Merckx (Team Molteni with the Rainbow Stripes as reigning World Champion) a five time Tour winner from 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1974.

This particular photo was culled from the 1975 Tour de France Facebook feed.