As winter rages and temps in Austin are at their lowest in the past 20 years, let's take a step back into the warm glow of history. Cycling lore is tough to find in these parts, but the internet is the great equalizer. (I got all this data off Wikipedia, so it must be right.)
Before Jan Ullrich was tagged as first loser, there was PouPou. Yes, it's pronounced poo-poo. Raymond Poulidor had the unfortunate timing to race in an era that began with Jacques Anquetil (conjure up your stuffiest, most self-important French stereotype, then make him a beast on the pedals), then Eddy Merckx. JacqA won the Tour 5 times, the Giro twice and the Vuelta once. Then along comes Merckx, who won the Tour 5 times, the Giro 5 times and the Vuelta once. PouPou finished 2nd in the Tour three times and 3rd place FIVE times, including in his last appearance at age 40. He never won the damn thing. Hard luck for a French farmboy. But here's the kicker. He was the fan favorite. His nickname was no favor, but I gotta respect the French for pulling for the underdog. Poulidor sounds like my kinda guy. Always in there, plugging away despite the odds. This picture below really frames his character. Anquetil (on the left), with his hair brushed back all Pat Riley-style, and Poulidor on the right, just grinding it out, not giving an inch. Inspiring.
So the next time you get crapped outta the back of the peloton, Consider WWPPD (what would pou pou do?) Although he had a shitty nickname his attitude was kickass! So keep on grinding.
Poulidor (right) battles it out with his fellow frenchie nemesis Anquetil in the mountains.
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