The Grand Prix du Midi Libre (referred to as just Midi Libre) was a multiple-stage road cycling course in the south of France. The race, named after the newspaper that organized it, was first organized in 1949 and was an important preparation courses for the Tour de France. Because of the hills in southern France, a climber usually won but sometimes the decision was made in a flat stage.
| Race details | |
|---|---|
| Date | Before Tour de France |
| Region | South France |
| English name | Grand Prix du Midi Libre |
| Local name(s) | Grand Prix du Midi Libre (in French) |
| Nickname(s) | Midi Libre |
| Discipline | Road |
| Type | Stage race |
| Organiser | Midi Libre |
| History | |
| First edition | 1949 |
| Editions | 55 |
| Final edition | 2004 |
| First winner |  Henri Massal (FRA) |
| Most wins | Jean-René Bernaudeau (FRA) (4 wins) |
| Final winner | Christophe Moreau (FRA) (2004) |
In 2003 the course was not organized, due to financial problems. One year later it returned, named Tour du Languedoc-Roussillon, but this turned out to be a one-time comeback.
Winners
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References
edit- ^ "Lance Armstrong: Governing body strips American of Tour wins". BBC News. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
- ^ "Union Cycliste Internationale".[permanent dead link]