Bernard Thevenet (born January 10, 1948, Saint-Julien-de-Civry) is best known as the cyclist who finally toppled the reign of Eddy Merckx in the Tour de France, winning the 1975 race with Merckx finishing second less than three minutes behind. Thevenet won his second Tour de France in 1977, with Merckx finishing in sixth in his last Tour. January 10 is the 10th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1948 is a leap year starting on Thursday (link will take you to calendar). ... Biography Baron Eddy Merckx (born June 17, 1945 in Meensel-Kiezegem, Belgium) is considered by many to be the greatest cyclist ever1. ... The (Le) Tour de France (French for Tour of France), also simply known as Le Tour, is an epic long distance road bicycle racing competition for professionals held over three weeks in July in and around France. ... 1975 was a common year starting on Wednesday (the link is to a full 1975 calendar). ... For the album by Ash, see 1977 (album). ...

Thevenet criticized Merckx for retiring the way he did. He thought it sad a racer of Merckx's caliber would want to hang around to have one last shot at glory but had to settle for ending his career via "the back door."