Crash of Wim Van Est (Tour de France, 1951)

In 1951, Van Est was part of the Dutch team for the Tour de France. In the 12th stage, from Agen to Dax, he escaped with a small group. He won the stage and gained 19 minutes on the leader, enough to move up to first place overall. As the first Dutchman to wear the accompanying yellow jersey he was praised by the public and media at home. The next day, in defence of his position, Van Est was chasing the leaders in the descent of the Col d’Aubisque. Due to a flat tyre (according to Van Est himself),