Rudi Altig, in sprinters paradise

In the 1960s, the rider from Mannheim was one of the strongest finishers of his generation, taking the 1966 world championship on the Nurburgring circuit. Engaged in a long-time rivalry with André Darrigade, Altig was able to counter the era’s sprint king on several occasions. 1962 was his finest season when he won the Vuelta, then went on to take the green jersey on the Tour de France with three stage wins. In all, including his win on the Vittel prologue in 1968, the sprinter claimed eight stage wins. He also spent 18 days in the yellow jersey on the Tour, which is a remarkable ratio, considering he only participated in four editions of the Tour. The organization wishes to honour the memory of one of the finest sprinters in the history of the race and conveys its condolences to his family and friends.