Tom Simpson - ‘something to aim at’ ‘Something to aim at’ is the title of a film about Britain’s greatest ever cyclist Tom Simpson. Simpson set out to win the 1967 Tour de France, and before it started he went to a Mercedes show room in his residence  Ghent, Belgium. He put down a deposit on the best car they had, knowing the thought of this car and the money he needed to buy it would be in his mind as a motivator, telling his mechanic ‘It gives you something to aim at’. Tragically Tom Simpson died on Mt Ventoux as he pushed himself too far in an attempt to keep his hopes of winning the Tour alive. Much has been documented about his death and it was thought to be attributed to the  traces of amphetamines and alcohol, found in his blood. In fact dehydration was a key factor, as incredibly, on one of the hardest stages and in temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Simpson was limited to just 4 small bottles to drink during the stage. Today’s cyclist would expect to go through as many as 17 litres under similar conditions. Tom Simpson was World Champion in 1965, the first Britain to wear the yellow jersey and winner of 4 of the one-day classics: Tour of Flanders, Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Lombardy and the now defunct Bordeaux-Paris. Simpson also won the prestigious stage race Paris-Nice. His highest finish in the Tour de France was 6th. British professional cyclists still hold him in highest regard, during the 2009 Tour de France each British rider paid their respects as they passed his memorial near the summit of Ventoux as they themselves battled through the pain and heat. It’s been over 40 years since he died but his legacy and achievements are still the benchmark against which other British cyclists are measured. His memorial is always covered in gifts, fans throughout the world fondly remember him.     Coprorate Cycling Challenges Corporate Ascents Bespoke Team Building & Client Entertainment  Email Us Tel:01572 789955                            Corporate Ascents - Corporate Cycling Events & Challenges