About
Biography
André Lapize (1887-1917) was a prominent French professional road racing cyclist best known for his victories in early Tour de France events. Born on October 24, 1887, in Paris, Lapize began his cycling career in the early 1900s, quickly gaining recognition for his climbing and sprinting abilities. His most notable achievement came in the 1910 Tour de France, where he became the first rider to conquer the high mountain passes of the Pyrenees, winning the race after famously calling out "Au revoir, là-haut!" (Goodbye, up there!) as he summited the Col d'Aubisque.
Lapize's cycling career included multiple national championships and participation in several editions of the Paris-Roubaix event, where he was regarded as a fierce competitor. He won the Paris-Roubaix in 1909, cementing his status as one of the leading riders of his time. In addition to his Tour de France success, Lapize’s ability to perform well in various terrains and conditions highlighted his versatility as a cyclist.
Tragically, André Lapize's life was cut short during World War I, where he served as a pilot and lost his life in combat on July 14, 1917. His legacy endures in the cycling community, remembered not only for his exemplary skills and pioneering achievements in the Tour de France but also as a symbol of the sport's early challenges and the sacrifices made by athletes during tumultuous times.