Estonian cyclist who won four Tour de France stages and held the yellow jersey for six days, earning him the title of Estonia's most successful cyclist.
Jaan Kirsipuu is a household name in the world of professional cycling, renowned for his remarkable career spanning over two decades, with an impressive tally of 177 wins, including 115 professional victories. This Estonian cycling legend is best known for being the first rider from his country to win a stage in the Tour de France, a feat he achieved in 1999.
Born on July 17, 1969, in Tartu, Estonia, Kirsipuu's passion for cycling was evident from a young age. He began his professional career in 1992, joining the Chazal-Vanille et Miel team as a stagiaire. Under the guidance of Vincent Lavenu, he went on to ride for various incarnations of the team, including Casino and AG2R, for an impressive 12 years.
Kirsipuu's most notable achievements include winning multiple stages in the Tour de France, wearing the yellow jersey for six days in 1999, and becoming the Estonian time trial champion six times. He also holds the dubious record of dropping out of the Tour de France a staggering 12 times. In addition to his Tour de France accomplishments, Kirsipuu won numerous other prestigious races, including the Tour of Switzerland, the Critérium du Dauphiné, and the Four Days of Dunkirk.
After retiring from racing in 2006, Kirsipuu went on to become a directeur sportif, first with the Latvian UCI Continental team Rietumu Banka-Riga in 2008, and later with the LeTua Cycling Team in 2009. In 2012, he retired once again, only to take up the role of sporting director with the Astana team. His vast experience and knowledge of the sport have made him a respected figure in the cycling world.
In conclusion, Jaan Kirsipuu's remarkable cycling career, impressive list of achievements, and dedication to the sport have cemented his place as one of Estonia's top athletes and a legend in the world of professional cycling.
56 Years Old
A professional cyclist who won numerous stages in the Tour de France and held the record for most stage wins, earning him the nickname "Eternal Second" for consistently finishing second in the overall standings.
59 Years Old
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55 Years Old
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54 Years Old
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47 Years Old
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48 Years Old
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41 Years Old
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52 Years Old
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