Cyclists in the Resistance and the Front Lines: The Forgotten Heroes of World War II

During World War II, cycling was not just a sport—it became a means of survival, resistance, and even espionage. While Europe was engulfed in war, some of the world’s top cyclists put aside their racing ambitions to fight, resist, and even save lives. From smuggling messages to serving on the battlefield, these riders became unsung heroes.

Gino Bartali: The Secret Messenger

One of the most remarkable stories is that of Gino Bartali, an Italian cycling legend who used his fame and training rides as a cover for secret missions. Having won the Tour de France in 1938 and two Giro d’Italia titles (1936 and 1937), Bartali was a national hero in Italy. However, as the war escalated, he became involved in the Italian resistance, risking his life to help Jewish refugees escape Nazi persecution.

Under the guise of long training rides through the Italian countryside, Bartali transported forged documents hidden in his bicycle’s frame and handlebars. These documents were crucial in helping Jewish families escape deportation. If caught, he would have faced certain execution, but his status as a sports icon allowed him to pass through military checkpoints with little suspicion. Bartali’s efforts are credited with saving hundreds of lives, and he was later honored as “Righteous Among the Nations” by Yad Vashem, Israel’s official Holocaust memorial.

Jean Robic: From the Peloton to the Front Lines

Jean Robic, who would later go on to win the Tour de France in 1947, was another cyclist whose life was profoundly shaped by World War II. While still a young rider at the time, he was drafted into the war effort and served as a soldier in France’s struggle against the Nazi occupation. Unlike Bartali, Robic was not involved in resistance missions, but his experience in combat left a lasting impact on his cycling career.

By the time he returned to racing, Robic was known for his toughness and relentless riding style, a trait that many believe was forged in the hardships of war. His post-war victory in the 1947 Tour de France, the first after the conflict, symbolized a rebirth of cycling and hope for a continent rebuilding from devastation.

René Vietto: The Tragic Fate of a Cycling Star

René Vietto was another French cyclist deeply affected by the war. A rising star in the 1930s, Vietto was known for his climbing abilities and his famous sacrifice in the 1934 Tour de France, where he gave up his own chances of winning to help his team leader. However, when World War II broke out, Vietto was called to military service.

Vietto was stationed in North Africa as part of the French Army, and like many other cyclists, his career was put on hold for years. Though he survived the war, many of his contemporaries did not. By the time professional cycling resumed in 1947, Vietto was past his prime, never getting the chance to fully realize his potential.

Cycling in Occupied Territories: A Sport Under Siege

In countries occupied by Nazi Germany, cycling continued but under strict supervision. The Nazis, aware of the sport’s popularity, attempted to use cycling races for propaganda. In Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, local races were sometimes allowed, but many top cyclists either refused to participate or found ways to undermine the occupation forces.

Some cyclists in these countries worked as couriers for the resistance, using their skills to transport messages and supplies. In Belgium, Briek Schotte, a future world champion, was known to have defied German orders and secretly assisted the resistance. Many other lesser-known riders took part in underground activities, often at great personal risk.

The Post-War Revival of Cycling

When the war finally ended in 1945, cycling had to rebuild itself, much like the rest of Europe. The first post-war Tour de France in 1947 was seen as a major event, a sign that normal life was returning. Many riders who had served in the war returned to competition, though some were never the same. The war had taken its toll, both physically and mentally.

Cyclists like Fausto Coppi, who had been held as a prisoner of war, came back to dominate the sport in the late 1940s and early 1950s, proving that resilience was not just a quality found on the battlefield, but also in the peloton.

Conclusion

World War II changed the world of cycling forever. Some riders became heroes in ways they never expected, fighting not just for victory in races, but for the survival of others. The war interrupted careers, took lives, and reshaped the sport’s landscape, but it also produced stories of bravery and sacrifice that deserve to be remembered.

At PullingTurns.com, we celebrate not just the legends of cycling, but also the hidden stories that shaped the sport’s history. These riders were more than just athletes—they were warriors on and off the bike, and their legacy endures.

What do you think about the role of cyclists during wartime? Let us know in the comments!