In 1960 the Tour de France without dashes Jacques Anquetil, French River Roger (4th from the previous edition) is quickly becoming the main favorite. However, after crossing the Pyrenees is the Italian Gastone Nencini is leader. On the evening of the 13th stage, after arrival at Millau, the Italian has 1'38 "on the French. The next day, step through the southern Massif Central to rally the Papal city. In the foothills of Mount Aigoual in the descent of the Col de Perjuret, Nencini made the descent. Not wanting to leave any advance his opponent, and although knowing better descender, River is committed to its continuation.
Taking unnecessary risks, given that the yellow jersey might have been caught up in the plain, River suddenly struck one of the blocks along the road, ending 10 feet below at the bottom of a ravine, where only a mat of branches saved his life, but the handicap final.
Evacuated by helicopter to the hospital in Montpellier, the results will be dramatic: two fractures of the spine and paralysis irrevocable ... The end of the career of one of the most promising French cyclist.
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