Thomas Voeckler (born 22 June 1979) is a French professional road racing cyclist. He rides for the Europcar cycling team.
Voeckler has been called a "national hero," because he has done well in the Tour de France. His nickname is le Chouchou which means Sweetheart.
Career
Voeckler has been a professional cyclist since 2001. He entered the 2004 Tour de France and earned the yellow jersey (maillot jaune) on Stage 5. He wore the jersey for ten days, which made him famous.
In 2006 he won the fifth stage in 2006 Vuelta al País Vasco. He also won the 2006 Paris–Bourges race.
In 2009, he won his first stage in a Tour de France. Voeckler went for victory on stage 15 with about 5km to go.
In the 2010 Tour de France he won Stage 15.
In the ninth stage of the 2011 Tour de France, Voeckler crossed the line second, taking the overall lead and therefore wearing the maillot jaune (yellow jersey). He kept the yellow jersey for 9 stages, but lost it on Stage 19. Voeckler finished the Tour in fourth place 3min 20sec behind the winner, Cadel Evans. This is his best career placement in the Tour so far. It was the best finish of any Frenchman in the Tour since Christophe Moreau came fourth in 2000.
In 2012, Thomas Voeckler earned more victories and top placements, including in the Spring Classics.
Voeckler in the maillot jaune at the 2011 Tour de France
At the 2012 Tour de France, he was suffering from a knee injury and almost abandoned the race. However he won Stage 10, the first mountain stage of the race. He also won Stage 16 with four huge climbs including the Col du Tourmalet. On this stage he grabbed the polka dot jersey for best climber. He kept the jersey from the Pyrenees to the finish.
In the Ardennes Classic in 2013 Voeckler crashed and broke his collarbone. By June he recovered and won stage 6 of the Critérium du Dauphiné. Voeckler continued his winning form by winning the overall titles of the Route du Sud and the Tour du Poitou-Charentes.
Other
Voeckler is known for displaying many different facial expressions while racing, especially when trying very hard. He often sticks out his tongue. In August 2011, Voeckler raced on his bike against a horse in an exhibition contest, and lost.
.JPG)
