Although nowadays Henri Desgrange is remembered for being the founding father of Tour de France, in his youth he had also a successfull cyclist career.
He set twelve world track cycling records, including the hour record of 35.325 km (1893)
Apparently, Desgrange saw a bicycle race for a very first time while visiting the finish of Bordeaux-Paris in 1891. First he raced on the track, but it turned out very soon, the endurace races suited him more.
His performance on 11 May 1893 was the first recognised hour record in the history of cycling races. He also established records at 50 and 100 km and 100 miles.
He won even the tricycle championship in that successful year of 1893.
