Stephen Roche is a cycling legend. In 1987 the Irishman became the second of only two cyclists to claim the holy trinity of triumphs in the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and World Championship. But it was on this day in 1987 that he claimed his most iconic victory.
Almost 1,000km longer than this year’s race, the 1987 Tour was an epic – 25 stages, eight different men in yellow, time-trials that lasted 87km or ended up Mont Ventoux.
But it would be Roche who would be crowned champion by a margin of just 40 seconds as he held off Spanish hero Pedro Delgado to ride through the Champs-Elysees a victor. It was to be Roche’s most famous day in the saddle.
Other memorable events on this day
1970: Cincinnati Reds’ Johnny Bench hits three consecutive home runs off Phillies’ Steve Carlton.
1991: CFL assumes ownership of Ottawa Rough Riders.
1992: Known as the “Ryan Express”, Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan lived up to his nickname by getting his 100th batter out for a 23rd consecutive season.
