Ferdy Kubler, Signed Postal Card

Kübler, a colorful rider, was referred to as a pedaling volcano who widely expended energy as he attacked and did not hesitate to verbally assault his rivals. He would often announce his plans loudly to the peloton … “Ferdi is going to attack! Are you ready?”

Kübler was the first Swiss winner of the Tour de France.  He won the Tour in 1950, the Green Jersey in 1954, and 8 Stages. He was a multiple Swiss National Champion and a three-time winner of the Tour de Suisse. Kübler’s most successful years in international racing were 1950–1952 when the classics had resumed after the Second World War. He won the La Flèche Wallonne and Liège–Bastogne–Liège, both in 1951 and 1952, in a time where these races were still contested on the same weekend. He was also World Road Race Champion in 1951, having placed second in 1949 and third in 1950.

Kübler died in Zurich on 29 December 2016 at the age of 97.  Prior to his death, he was the oldest living Tour de France winner.