Cavendish, alone at the top: 35 stages
Having come back from the dead several times and appeared to be struggling at the start of this 2024 edition, Cavendish succeeded in his bet at 39 years old. The “Cav'” won the 35th stage victory that he had been hoping for since 2021, to overtake Eddy Merckx and take sole possession of the record for success on the Tour. A long story since his first success on French roads, on July 9, 2008.
Winner of 55 stages in the Grand Tours during his prolific career (17 in the Giro, 3 in the Vuelta), the Briton is currently competing in his 15th Tour de France. His most successful edition? 2009. We should also remember a series of victories in the last stage finishing on the Champs-Elysées, between 2009 and 2012.
Merckx, from sovereign to dauphin: 34 stages
In terms of dominance, it’s hard to find better than Merckx. Winner of five of the seven Tours de France in which he participated, the “Cannibal” also accumulated 34 stages between 1969 and 1977. An ultra-versatile profile, he shone in time trials, in the mountains, but also on the flat or in sprints.
Protean qualities proven from his first participation, in 1969, with seven stage victories. His peak was reached in 1970 and 1974, with eight triumphs at the end of a stage. A remarkable harvest for a rider who was not a pure sprinter.
Hinault, the Badger had flair: 28 stages
Arriving with ambition on the circuit, Hinault succeeded Merckx in terms of domination. Five times winner of the Tour de France (in 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982 and 1985), the rouleur-climber also won 28 stages on the Grande Boucle.
Twenty of them were time trials, an event that the “Badger” loved and which greatly contributed to his glory days. The 1979 edition will be remembered as a perfect illustration of a versatility similar to that of Merckx, with seven stage wins, including the last on the Champs-Elysées.
Leducq, pre-war champion: 25 stages
The name André Leducq may not mean anything to those who have only recently discovered the Tour de France. A pre-war legend, the native of Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine won the Grande Boucle twice in 1930 and 1932.
With a great burst of speed, the sprinter shines with the French team, since the Tour is then contested by nations. During the Second World War (1939-1945), Leducq distributed leaflets for the French Resistance. Arrested by the Germans, he was released after being recognized by a Nazi officer for his exploits on the Tour de France. Incredible destiny.
Darrigade, the post-war rocket: 22 stages
Another sprinter-rouleur, Darrigade took up the torch once the Second World War was over. The “Lévrier des Landes” showed his speed to win 22 stages between 1953 and 1964. The 1958 edition remains his most highly rated vintage, with five victories.
