Europe gained some much needed distraction after World War II with the peaceful duels of the Tour de France, rapidly cementing its place as one of Euope's preeminent sports contests. Post World War Rivalries Henri Desgrange, the Tour de France founder, died in 1940. His successor was Jacque Goddet. The Germans tried to persuade Goddet to hold the race during the war years, but he refused. He considered the first race following the war, in 1947, to be an act of faith given the post-war shortages. Jean Robic of France won and this did much to improve the country's morale. The government even allowed the Tour to break the food rationing rules.

Italian Rivals Go at it Full Swing 

The French win didn't last long. Two Italian rivals, Gino Bartali, tour winner in 1938, and Fausto Coppi, had lost most of their cycling careers to the war. But their bitter rivalry made the post-war Tours as exciting as ever. Bartali's 10-year gap between wins is still a Tour record. Louison Bobet had grabbed the yellow jersey early in the race but Bartali showed who deserved to win when he flew through the Alps. Bartali won by 26 minutes in 1948.

Rene Vietto- France's King of the Hill

After the war, Vietto was one of the few surviving members of the old guard. For awhile, it looked like Vietto might win the 1947 race. Although he didn't win, he became the Tour's king of the mountains. It's been said that wherever there were steep roads and thin air, Vietto was right there. The winner that year, Robic, had promised his young bride that he would win the Tour de France because he didn't have a dowry.

In 1948, Bobet's popularity would increase. The Italian coach, Alfredo Binda, said, "If I had coached Bobet, he would have won." By this time, Bobet was known as "Louison."

The Italians arrived at the 1949 Tour prepared to win. They have with them, up and coming star, Fausto Coppi. Coppi and Bartali battle it out. Bartali loses by more than 10 minutes. Coppi won for the second time in 1952 by a stunning 28 minutes.

Mitch Mueller writes on a variety of web topics, always trying to make it easy for folks to use the web to better their lives. If you liked this article, you'll find more Tour de France history articles and this year's Tour schedule at: Tour de France schedule, as well as 2010 calendar and Maui Maternity Photography.

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