Question 1

True or false: Jacques Anquetil was the first cyclist to win the Tour de France five times.

Accepted Answer

True. He achieved five Tour wins (1957, 1961–1964), a record at the time, later tied by Merckx, Hinault, and Indurain.

Question 2

True or false: Anquetil won the 1964 Tour de France by just 55 seconds, the closest margin in history at that time.

Accepted Answer

True. He beat Raymond Poulidor by 55 seconds in a dramatic duel, the narrowest margin in Tour history until 1989.

Question 3

True or false: Anquetil was the first rider to hold all three Grand Tour titles simultaneously.

Accepted Answer

True. He won the 1963 Vuelta, 1963 Tour, and 1963 Giro, becoming the first to hold all three at once.

Question 4

True or false: Anquetil never won a single time trial stage in the Tour de France.

Accepted Answer

False. He was a time trial specialist, winning many stages against the clock, including the final time trial in 1964.

Question 5

True or false: Anquetil retired from cycling because of a fear of descending mountains.

Accepted Answer

False. He retired after the 1969 season due to health issues, not fear; he was a strong descender despite his time trial focus.

Question 6

True or false: Anquetil was a vegetarian and credited his diet for his endurance.

Accepted Answer

False. He was known for enjoying fine wine, steaks, and champagne; no evidence supports a vegetarian diet.

Question 7

True or false: Anquetil won the Vuelta a España twice, in 1963 and 1964.

Accepted Answer

False. He actually won the Vuelta only once, in 1963. The 1964 Vuelta was won by Raymond Poulidor.

Question 8

True or false: Anquetil famously drank champagne during a time trial at the 1963 Vuelta.

Accepted Answer

True. He accepted a glass of champagne from a fan mid-stage and still won, a legendary moment of his cool demeanor.

Jacques Anquetil Trivia Questions