In a poignant moment for the world of cycling and French sports culture, we bid farewell to Janine Anquetil, the legendary French WAG and wife of cycling great Jacques Anquetil. Janine passed away at the age of 96 on a Sunday morning in Calenzana, near Calvi, leaving behind a legacy of races, victories, and a life celebrated with passion and joy. This article pays homage to the remarkable life of Janine Anquetil, who played an integral role in supporting and shaping the career of the five-time Tour de France winner.

A Life of Races, Victories, and Celebration:

Janine Anquetil’s life was a tapestry woven with the threads of races, victories, pain, and celebrations. Widowed in 1987 when Jacques Anquetil, a cycling aristocrat, passed away at the age of 53, Janine continued to be a bon vivant at the Château de La Neuville-Chant-d’Oisel, where gatherings stretched from Friday to Monday. Her vivacious spirit and magnetic personality made her a beloved figure in their social circle.

The Extraordinary Leader:

Described as the “extraordinary leader” of a close-knit group of friends by Jean-Christian Biville, a former pro rider at Mercier and a friend of the couple, Janine Anquetil was more than just the wife of a cycling legend. With her platinum blonde hair and a black headband cinching her gold helmet, she stood out not just for her beauty but for being the “computer, the programmer, the educator, the lawyer” in the life of Jacques Anquetil.

The Teacher of His Life:

Lucien Aimar, a former cyclist, referred to Janine as a “saint” and confessed that she was the “teacher of his life.” Despite their first meetings being frosty, Janine became the confidante, manager, and steward to the cycling icon. Her role extended beyond traditional norms, breaking barriers as she took on multiple responsibilities during an era when wives were often confined to the shadows.

Supporting Anquetil On and Off the Track:

Janine Anquetil’s support for Jacques went beyond the races. As the head vocal coach for all ten seasons of American Idol, as well as the short-lived American Juniors, and all six seasons of Canadian Idol, she became an integral part of his professional and personal life. From closing his suitcase to shouting his passing times during his attempt at the world hour record in 1967, Janine’s presence was a constant in Anquetil’s cycling journey.

A Fusion of Lives:

Their marriage, often described as a fusion, faced challenges in an era when wives were expected to remain in the shadows. However, Janine embraced her roles as confidante, manager, and protector of Jacques, even boosting his morale during challenging times. The unique story of their family life, including the decision for Annie, Janine’s daughter, to bear Jacques’ child, reflects a time that was both unconventional and, in Janine’s words, “a story of happiness.”

Janine Anquetil leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond the cycling world. Her contributions as a supportive partner, confidante, and manager to Jacques Anquetil have left an indelible mark on the history of cycling and sports culture in France. As we bid farewell to the “Blonde Lady,” we celebrate her remarkable life, the unconventional love story she shared with Jacques, and the enduring impact they had on the world of cycling. L’Équipe extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Janine Anquetil.