Statue de Raymond Poulidor

Saint-Léonard de Noblat, here we come! Poupou, are you there? Mais oui, mais oui! His spirit still breathes in his adopted town! In front of the town hall, a wooden statue pays tribute to the world-famous cycling champion. Carved out of a giant sequoia tree, it depicts Raymond Poulidor beside his bike, raising his hand to the sky.

The simple statue reflects the champion's legendary modesty, despite his impressive sporting achievements. For the record, when the town talked about restoring the statue, the champion refused, saying it wasn't necessary: "It's getting old, just like the man!

Raymond Poulidor now rests in the Garden of Remembrance. However, the man nicknamed "the eternal runner-up" remains first in the hearts of the "miaulétous", the inhabitants of Saint-Léonard de Noblat.