Simpson was favourite to win the Tour, but he was in poor health and drugs were keeping him going. On a hot day (up to 40 in the shade) when riders were not allowed water and often finished dehydrated, Simpson struggled up the mountain and collapsed in full view of the TV cameras. Doctors tried to resuscitate him, but it was too late. Simpson was a folk hero, son of a miner who moved to France aged 18 and became a firm favourite for his courage. But behind the glamour was a man beset by drugs and debt, whose name is now most famous for dying in the saddle.
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| Picture : Getty Images |
