World Champion Cyclist. Born in Saint-Étienne in the Massif Central region of France. He turned professional in 1957. He won the 1957, 1958 and 1959 World Pursuit Championships as well as breaking the World Hour Record (46.923km). The following year he again broke more records - World Hour Record (47.346km), World 10km Record (12min 22.8sec) and Wolrd 20km Record twice (25min 15sec and 24min 50.6sec) In 1960 he was favourite to win the Tour de France, but during the 6th Stage, whilst decending the Col de Perjuret, we followed Necini known to be exceptionally quick on down hill decents. Rivière struck a low wall and fell 20m into a ravine. His fall was broken by bushes as was his spine in two places. Rivière later admitted taking drugs which may have affected his judgement. He also agreed he'd taken amphetamines during his hour records. Paralysed from the chest down he never rode again. He opened a restaurant in Saint-Étienne called 'Le Vigorelli', then a garge then a holiday camp but all three failed. He died of throat cancer at the age of 40, in Saint-Galmier.
World Champion Cyclist. Born in Saint-Étienne in the Massif Central region of France. He turned professional in 1957. He won the 1957, 1958 and 1959 World Pursuit Championships as well as breaking the World Hour Record (46.923km). The following year he again broke more records - World Hour Record (47.346km), World 10km Record (12min 22.8sec) and Wolrd 20km Record twice (25min 15sec and 24min 50.6sec) In 1960 he was favourite to win the Tour de France, but during the 6th Stage, whilst decending the Col de Perjuret, we followed Necini known to be exceptionally quick on down hill decents. Rivière struck a low wall and fell 20m into a ravine. His fall was broken by bushes as was his spine in two places. Rivière later admitted taking drugs which may have affected his judgement. He also agreed he'd taken amphetamines during his hour records. Paralysed from the chest down he never rode again. He opened a restaurant in Saint-Étienne called 'Le Vigorelli', then a garge then a holiday camp but all three failed. He died of throat cancer at the age of 40, in Saint-Galmier.
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