French cycling is mourning the loss of two former riders who left lasting marks on the sport across several decades.
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Raymond Riotte, a former Tour de France stage winner and yellow jersey holder, died April 14 at age 86. Less than two weeks later, longtime French cyclist Guy Leleu died April 26 at age 76 following a long illness.
Riotte, born in Sarry in 1940, became one of the most accomplished cyclists from France's Yonne region. Remarkably, he did not begin cycling competitively until after completing military service at age 22. He quickly rose through the amateur ranks before turning professional in 1966, immediately making an impact with four victories early in his pro career.
During the 1967 Tour de France, Riotte briefly wore the famed yellow jersey during the seventh stage from Metz to Strasbourg. He also won the Diges-to-Marseille stage in that same Tour and spent one day wearing the green jersey as well. Across nine professional seasons, Riotte earned 22 career victories and competed in eight Tours de France.
Leleu, meanwhile, became a beloved figure in the Boulogne cycling community thanks to both his longevity and determination.
He earned his first victory in 1967 and went on to build a decorated career that included races such as the Tour de Martinique, the Three Days of Sedan, the Tour of Yugoslavia and the Tour of Austria, where he captured two stage wins.
His breakthrough year came in 1975 when he turned professional with the Gitane team and competed in the Tour de France, finishing 55th overall.
Leleu was widely respected for overcoming a visual impairment that left him blind in one eye since childhood. Known for his aggressive riding style in the hills, he continued competing well beyond his professional career, racing in veterans events until 2009.
By the end of his cycling journey, Leleu had reportedly amassed roughly 250 victories and covered nearly 700,000 kilometers on the bike.
Both riders remained respected figures in French cycling long after their careers ended.
