The Tour de France is full of stories. Every day we highlight a historical moment that can be linked to the upcoming stage. Monday is a day of rest, but a lot happened on those days: the rider who was put out of the Tour because he didn’t want to fly.
After the eleventh stage of the 1991 Tour, a Rust Day is on the program. The Peloton must then fly from Nantes to Pau. But one rider doesn’t like that: Urs Zimmermann has fear of flying and therefore refuses to fly.
Zimmermann decides to take the car and cover the last 60 kilometers per bicycle. The Swiss, who finished third in the Tour in 1986, does not only do this because he has fear of flying. He also wants to have a moment for himself. The leadership of his team Motorola has no problems with it.
But as soon as Zimmermann arrives at the hotel, he does not know what happens to him: he is told from some journalists that he has been put out of the Tour. According to the regulations, which only appears in French, all riders must travel by plane. Motorola manager Jim Ochowicz is singing and is going to get a story from the Tour organization. But that is inexorable.
A day later, Zimmermann is taken to the airport when he suddenly hears that the peloton went on strike prior to the twelfth ride. The riders protest against the helmet obligation introduced that year. According to them, it is too hot to wear a helmet in the mountains. At the same time, they support Zimmermann: if he is not allowed to continue, they will not start either.
After more than half an hour, the Pau police commissioner announced that he can no longer keep the roads closed. He is willing to admit traffic, so that the competition will be blocked. The Tour organization admits: helmets are not mandatory and Zimmermann, who has meanwhile made the right, can start. He eventually becomes 116th and a year later the Tour Regulations will appear in English for the first time.
The Tour de France is full of stories. Every day we highlight a historical moment that can be linked to the upcoming stage. Monday is a rest day, but a lot also happened on those days: the rider who was kicked out of the tour because he did’s want to fly.
After the Elevth Stage of the 1991 Tour, a Rest Day is Scheduled. The Peloton has to fly from Nantes to Pau. But one rider Doesn’tn’t that: Urs Zimmermann Has a Fear of Flying and Therefore Refuses to Fly.
Zimmermann Decides to take the car and cycle the last 60 kilometers. The Swiss, who finished third in the tour in 1986, does this not only because he has a fear of flying. Hey also horsen to have a moment to himself. The management of his team Motorola has no problems with it.
But as soon as zimmermann arrives at the hotel, he Doesn’t Know what’s happening to him: he’s heart some journalists that has been kicked out of the tour. Accordance to the regulations, which only appear in French, all -riders must travel by plane. Motorola manager Jim Ochowicz is Furious and Goes to Demand An Explanation from the Tour Organization. But it is implacable.
A day later, Zimmermann is tasks to the airport when he Suddenly Hears That the Peloton Has Gone on Strike Prior to the Twelfth Stage. The Riders Are Protesting Against the Mandatory Helmet Law Introduced That Year. Accordance to them, it is too hot to wear a helmet in the mountains. At the same time, they support zimmermann: if he is not allowed to continue, they will not start either.
After More Than Half An Hour, The Police Commissioner of Pau Announced That He Could No Longer Keep The Roads Closed. He is prepared to allow traffic, which will block the race. The Tour Organization Admits: Helmets are not mandatory and zimmermann, who has since turned back, is allowed to start. Hey anyful finished 116th and a year later the Tour Regulations Appeared in English for the first time.