Raphael Geminiani - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Raphael Geminiani was a French professional road bicycle racer, born on June 12, 1925, in Clermont-Ferrand, France.
- 2. Geminiani was known for his climbing abilities and aggressive racing style, which earned him the nickname "le Grand Fusil" (the Big Gun).
- 3. He turned professional in 1946 and quickly made a name for himself as a strong rider in the mountains, finishing second in the 1949 Tour de France.
- 4. Geminiani won several prestigious races during his career, including the Tour de Suisse, Paris-Nice, and the Criterium du Dauphine.
- 5. He also had success in one-day races, winning the prestigious Milan-San Remo classic in 1953.
- 6. Geminiani's best performance in the Tour de France came in 1951 when he finished third overall, behind his teammate and race winner, Hugo Koblet.
- 7. He was known for his rivalry with fellow French rider Louison Bobet, with whom he had several heated battles on the road.
- 8. After retiring from professional racing, Geminiani became a team director and mentor to young riders, including future Tour de France champions Bernard Hinault and Laurent Fignon.
- 9. He was inducted into the Cycling Hall of Fame in 2001 in recognition of his contributions to the sport.
- 10. Geminiani passed away on August 2, 2022, at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest French cyclists of his generation.