Maurice Archambaud

Maurice Archambaud

Maurice Archambaud (1906 - 1955) was a French professional cyclist from 1932 to 1944. His short stature earned him the nickname of le nabot, or "the dwarf", but colossal thighs made him an exceptional rider.

He won Paris-Soissons and Paris-Verneuil as an amateur in 1931 and turned professional the following year for Alcyon. He won the inaugural Grand Prix des Nations in his first season.

He set the world hour record at 45,767 km at the Vigorelli velodrome in Milan on November 3, 1937. He beat the Dutchman, Frans Slaats' record of 45.485 km, set on  September 29, 1937. The distance stood five years before being beaten by Fausto Coppi.

Archambaud rode for France in the Tour de France between the wars. Sudden changes of form and his frequent falls meant that he never won but he did win nine stages and wear the yellow jersey.

He won a shorter stage race, Paris–Nice, in 1936 and 1939.