Albert Bourlon was a legendary French cyclist, best known for one of the most iconic solo rides in Tour de France history. Born on April 23, 1916, in Sancergues, France, and passing away in 2013, he left behind a story of unmatched endurance and cycling passion. His 253 km solo breakaway in the 1947 Tour de France is still talked about as a cycling miracle. In 2025, he was featured in a documentary honoring his achievements and contribution to French sports.
Albert Bourlon Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Albert Bourlon |
| Date of Birth | April 23, 1916 |
| Date of Death | October 16, 2013 |
| Age at Death | 97 years |
| Profession | Professional Cyclist |
| Famous For | 253 km solo breakaway – Tour de France 1947 |
| Hometown | Sancergues, France |
| Residence at Death | Bourges, France |
| Nationality | French |
Early Life
Albert Bourlon grew up in a small French village surrounded by rural beauty and cycling culture. From an early age, he was fascinated by bicycles and began racing in the 1930s. With limited formal education details available, it’s clear that his main focus became cycling, driven by a love for the sport and intense dedication.
Career Highlights
Albert Bourlon turned professional in 1936. He had a solid career, but it was his 1947 Tour de France ride that made him a legend. On Stage 14, he rode 253 km solo — the longest successful breakaway in Tour de France history, a record still untouched. He won three stages in total across different editions of the Tour.
After retiring in 1951, Bourlon worked as a cycling coach, helping younger French cyclists. His career spanned both pre- and post-World War II, showing resilience in a tough era.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
| 1936 | Turned professional |
| 1938 | Won first Tour de France stage |
| 1947 | Completed 253 km solo breakaway (Stage 14) |
| 1951 | Retired from competitive cycling |
| 2025 | Featured in French cycling documentary |
Net Worth
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 Million (adjusted for inflation) |
| Income Sources | Cycling, Coaching, Endorsements |
Though Bourlon raced in a different time when athlete earnings were modest, his adjusted net worth is estimated at $1 million, thanks to winnings, coaching roles, and early endorsement deals with local brands.
Controversies
There have been posthumous discussions on social media about possible doping in cycling during Bourlon’s era. However, there’s no evidence linking Albert directly to such actions. His clean image and the respect he earned during his lifetime remain strong even today.
Recent Updates
- July 20, 2025: A French sports channel aired a documentary honoring his 1947 ride, reviving interest in his career.
- X Reaction: Fans (@CyclingFans) praised his endurance and historical importance, while some (@SportsCritic) raised questions about the fairness of cycling in the 1940s.