This Guy Jumped Over The Tour De France Twice

The rivalry between road bikers and mountain bikers is the cycling world’s version of cats vs. dogs.

Roadies argue their sport is purer, more strategic, and built on suffering. MTB riders counter with, Yeah, but can you send a 50-foot gap?

And in 2003, one mountain biker decided to settle the debate in the most MTB way possible—by literally jumping over the Tour de France.

The OG Tour de France Send

Enter Dave Watson, a freeride legend who, in peak early-2000s dirtbag fashion, launched himself over the peloton mid-race. No permits. No pre-event fanfare. Just Watson, a custom-built jump, and a dream.

The landing? Yeah… that didn’t go as planned. But he still made history, proving that mountain bikers weren’t just here to ride—they were here to fly.

Then Came Valentin Anouilh

Fast forward to 2019, and another madman, Valentin Anouilh, decided to one-up Watson. At just 19 years old, he built his own massive sender and cleared the Tour riders by 53 feet, nailing the landing and cementing his name in MTB history.

Most people would be happy calling that a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

Not Valentin.

Last summer, he rebuilt the drop—and jumped the Tour de France again.

Imagine the feeling of stomping that landing, watching the world’s best road cyclists pass beneath you while you casually send it over their heads.

The Ultimate Cycling Crossover?

So, what do you think? Is the MTB vs. road biking rivalry pointless, or do we need more wild crossover moments like this?

Either way, one thing’s clear—Valentin Anouilh isn’t done yet.