Raymond Poulidor

French cycling legend nicknamed 'Poupou' who was a perennial Tour de France contender for over a decade but never won the title, becoming the most beloved near-miss in the history of French sport.

Raymond Poulidor was France's beloved cycling nearly-man, a rider who never won the Tour de France despite finishing on the podium eight times — including three second places. 'Poupou' was loved precisely because of his perpetual close calls and endless spirit in the face of defeat, usually at the hands of Jacques Anquetil. His popularity exceeded that of his more successful rivals and he remains one of French sport's most cherished figures.