On Bastille Day, on the first stage of the 2004 Tour de France with real climbs, Richard Virenque (and we won’t mention his history of EPO abuse, will we?) turned in an incredible performance, breaking away from the peloton with Axel Mercx (and dropping him near the end), finishing with a lead of more than five minutes: Virenque delights crowds.

Virenque will probably fade away after this; you could tell from his face that he really hurt himself, winning the King of the Mountains jersey for France on a day that mattered.

Quick Step rider Richard Virenque of France is followed by a well known German cycling fan, called the ‘Devil’, while cycling on his way to win the 237 km long tenth stage of the Tour de France from Limoges to Saint-Flour, France, July 14, 2004. An inspired and rejuvenated Virenque snatched his annual Tour de France stage in the longest ride in this year’s race between Limoges and St Flour on Wednesday. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard