Belgian Eddy Merckx rides in the Aubisque mountain during the 17th stage of the Tour de France between Luchon and Mourenx 15 July 1969. After a 140km lone effort, Merckx won the stage leaving Frenchmen Raymond Poulidor and Roger Pingeon almost eight minutes behind. Merckx went on to win his first Tour de France in front of Pingeon, second, and Poulidor.