Before we talk about today’s stage from Morzine-Avoriaz, let’s spare a moment to remember the man who died on this day, July 13th 1967 on Mount Ventoux, Provence — world champion, winner of Paris – Nice, Milan — Sanremo, the Tour of Flanders and the Tour of Lombardy. Tom Simpson is sadly missed but a legend, never to be forgotten.
He died pursuing an impossible dream; his frail physique wasn’t designed to withstand the rigours of a Grand Tour — dreams drove him to be champion of the world but they couldn’t drive him to a Tour win.