 The location of Simpson's final collapse one kilometre from the summit of Mont Ventoux. | |
| Date | 13 July 1967 |
|---|---|
| Time | 5:40 p.m |
| Location | Mont Ventoux, Provence, France |
| Coordinates | 44°10′11″N 5°17′10″E / 44.169642°N 5.286016°E |
| Cause | Heart failure caused by drug and alcohol combination |
| Burial | Harworth, Nottinghamshire, England |
Tom Simpson (30 November 1937 – 13 July 1967) was a British professional cyclist, one of Britain's most successful of all time.[1] At the time of the 1967 Tour de France, he was the undisputed leader of the British team. In the 13th stage of that race, he collapsed and died during the ascent of Mont Ventoux.
Simpson fell ill with diarrhoea during the Tour's tenth stage. He was under pressure from his personal manager to continue in the race, though members of his team encouraged him to quit. Near the summit of Mont Ventoux, Simpson fell off his bike but was able to get back on it. After riding a short distance farther, he collapsed. He was pronounced dead after being airlifted to a hospital. The post-mortem examination found that Simpson had taken amphetamine and alcohol, a diuretic combination which proved fatal when combined with the heat, the hard climb of the Ventoux, and the stomach complaint.
Approximately 5,000 people came to Simpson's funeral service. A memorial stands close to the spot where he died and has become a pilgrimage for many cyclists. At the Harworth and Bircotes Sports and Social Club, there is a museum dedicated to Simpson's memory.
- ^ Birnie, Lionel (22 January 2013). "The all-time list of British pro winners". Cycling Weekly. London. Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 11 February 2013.