 Route of the 1981 Tour de France | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Race details | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Dates | 25 June – 19 July 1981 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stages | 22 + Prologue, including two split stages | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distance | 3,753 km (2,332 mi) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Winning time | 96h 19' 38" | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Results | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The 1981 Tour de France was the 68th edition of the Tour de France, taking place between 25 June and 19 July. The total race distance was 24 stages over 3,753 km (2,332 mi). It was dominated by Bernard Hinault, who led the race from the sixth stage on, increasing his lead almost every stage. Only Phil Anderson was able to stay close to him, until the 16th stage when he fell behind by about 7:00, and then on the 17th stage he would lose another 17 minutes. In the end only Lucien Van Impe, Robert Alban and Joop Zoetemelk were able to finish inside 20:00 of the now three time champ.
The points classification was won by Freddy Maertens, who did so by winning five stages. The mountains classification was won by Lucien Van Impe, Peter Winnen won the young rider classification, and the Peugeot team won the team classification.