Francis Pélissier

Francis Pélissier ( born June 13, 1894 in Paris, † February 22, 1959 in Mantes -la -Jolie ) was a French cyclist.

Francis Pélissier was a professional cyclist from 1919 to 1932 during which time he won several classic races. Bordeaux - Paris (1922 and 1924 ), the Grand Prix Wolber (1926 ), the Critérium des As (1926 ) and 1924, the first edition of Basque country tour. Three times he was also French road champion (1921, 1922 and 1924 ) and chose two stages of the Tour de France itself. 1924 rose Pélissier, who was like his brother Henri as stubborn and short-tempered, under protest, together with that from the tour from. Particular attention aroused his victory in the 342 km long Paris -Tours in 1921, the " hardest race of all time": Due to a snow intrusion, heavy rain and wind came from 85 starters only eight riders to the finish, the last 4 hours and 21 minutes after the winner Pélissier, who wrapped in two thick capes and takes 14 hours and 56 minutes had.

Francis Pélissier was the younger brother of Tour de France winner Henri Pélissier, and the older brother of the racer Charles Pélissier, who could also win several stages of the Tour; another brother, Jean, fell in the First World War. The parents owned a dairy in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, called " Vacherie de l' Espérance ". The three brothers were as dazzling figures, which were very popular in France.

After ending his playing career Pélissier was around 30 years as sports director and is considered as the discoverer of Jacques Anquetil.