1961 Tour de France/Tour de l’Avenir – Race Official’s Car Flag

In a tradition started with the first Tour de France in 1903, these flags were affixed to wood dowels and placed in special holders on race official cars. These flags were used well into the 1960s. For 20+ years after that the flags were used by officials and course marshals to warn riders of oncoming danger. What is particularly appealing is during the period from post-WWII until the late 1960s, the flags had the year clearly visible. As time has marched on, the desirability of these flags has grown, with particular interest given to the years where the winner was also considered a great champion.

This unique two sided flag was created for both the 1961 Tour de France and Tour de l’Avenir.

The 1961 Tour de France was dominated by Jacques Anquetil who held the yellow jersey from Stage 1b all the way to the finish in Paris.  The big battle on the road was for second place with Guido Carlesi stealing second place from Charly Gaul on the last day by two seconds.

1961 was the inaugural edition of the Tour de l’Avenir.  Until 1967 the race took place  earlier in the day, but on the same course at the Tour de France.  It was created to attract teams from nations that had no professional riders to enter the Tour de France.  Guido De Rosso, an Italian amateur was the victor in 1961.

Size 58.5 x 42 cm ( 23 x 16.5 inches)