Raymond Martin (cyclist) facts for kids
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| Personal information | |||
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| Born | 22 May 1949 Saint-Pierre-du-Regard, France |
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| Team information | |||
| Current team | Retired | ||
| Discipline | Road | ||
| Role | Rider | ||
| Major wins | |||
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Raymond Martin is a famous French road bicycle racer. He was born on May 22, 1949. He is best known for his amazing performance in the 1980 Tour de France. In this race, he finished third overall. He also won the special "mountains classification" jersey. Raymond Martin also competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics. He took part in the individual road race event there.
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Raymond Martin's Cycling Career
Raymond Martin was a professional cyclist for many years. He started his professional career in 1973. He rode for several different teams during his time as a racer. These teams included Gitane-Frigécrème and Miko-Mercier. He was known for his strong riding, especially in tough races.
Becoming a Top Rider
Before turning professional, Raymond Martin showed great promise. In 1972, he won the French National Amateur Road Race Championship. This win helped him become a professional cyclist. He quickly became a respected rider in the peloton. The peloton is the main group of riders in a bicycle race.
His Best Year: The 1980 Tour de France
The year 1980 was the most successful for Raymond Martin. He showed incredible strength in the 1980 Tour de France. This race is one of the hardest cycling events in the world. He won a stage, which means he was the first to cross the finish line on one day of the race.
Winning the Mountains Classification
One of Raymond Martin's biggest achievements was winning the mountains classification. This award goes to the best climber in the Tour de France. Riders earn points by being among the first to reach the top of designated climbs. The leader wears a special 
polka-dot jersey. Raymond Martin wore this famous jersey in 1980.
Finishing Third Overall
Besides winning the mountains jersey, Raymond Martin also finished third in the overall standings. This means he was the third fastest rider over the entire three-week race. This is a huge accomplishment in professional cycling. It shows his consistency and endurance.
Other Important Wins
Raymond Martin also won several other races during his career. These wins showed his skill as a versatile rider. He won the Paris–Camembert race twice, in 1975 and 1979. He also won the Grand Prix de Plumelec-Morbihan in 1978. These races are important one-day events in France.
Life After Cycling
Raymond Martin retired from professional cycling in 1983. He left behind a legacy as a strong French climber. His achievements in the Tour de France are still remembered. He is a great example of dedication in sports.
See also
In Spanish: Raymond Martin para niños
