| Birthdate | 24 October 1887 |
| Birthplace | Montrouge, France |
| Nationality | French |
| Died | 14 July 1917 (aged 29) |
| Discipline | Road racing |
| Role | Rider |
| Professional Career | 1908 – 1914 |
Octave Lapize was a French road racing cyclist best known for his victory in the 1910 Tour de France, during which he memorably yelled at the race organizers, “You’re assassins!” as he climbed the difficult Col d’Aubisque.
Lapize began his professional cycling career in 1908, after being born on October 24, 1887, in Montrouge, France. He rapidly established himself as a powerful climber and brilliant all-around rider. In addition to the Tour de France, he won several other significant events, including Paris-Tours and Paris-Brussels.
Lapize was a hard competitor noted for his perseverance on the bike. He was known for being tough to deal with, and he frequently battled with team managers and other riders. Despite this, he remained a well-known and respected personality in the cycling world, appreciated for his skill and tenacity.
Lapize’s life was tragically cut short when he was killed in action during World War I in July 1917, at the age of 29. His legacy as one of France’s best cyclists of all time, however, goes on, and he is remembered as a real champion of the sport.
Octave Lapize’s major achievements:
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1910 | Winner of Tour de France |
| 1909 | Winner of Paris-Tours |
| 1911 | Winner of Paris-Brussels |
| 1908 | Winner of Paris-Roubaix |
| 1909 | Winner of Critérium des Aiglons |
| 1911 | Winner of Grand Prix d’Europe |
| 1911 | Winner of Bol d’Or |
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