Ancient carrier of the yellow jersey on the still alive Tour de France, Jacques Marinelli died this Wednesday, July 3 at the age of 99.
On the eve of the big departure of the 112e Edition of the Tour de France from Lille, the world of cycling has learned very sad news. Wearer of the yellow jersey in 1949, Jacques Marinelli died this Wednesday July 3 at the age of 99. He would have been a hundred years old on December 15.
Nicknamed “La Pararuche”, this former French runner had wore the yellow jersey for six consecutive stages in 1949. That year, he finished third in the general classification, won by the Italian Fausto Coppi. Jacques Marinelli started the Grande Boucle six times, but only finished two.
Jacques Marinelli was also mayor of Melun from 1989 to 2002. It was his successor, Kadir Mebarek, who announced his death Thursday evening on social networks.
“Modest but tenacious runner, he embodied the courage and elegance of French sports sport”
“Melun loses one of his most illustrious children today. Legendary cyclist, accomplished business manager, former visionary mayor and deeply human, Jacques Marinelli marked our city by his commitment, his audacity and his unwavering attachment to Melun. (…) Modest but tenacious runner, he embodied the courage and elegance of French sporting sport, alongside the biggest names in cycling ”wrote Kadir Mebarek in a Facebook post.
And to add: ” A man of challenge, he succeeded with panache his retraining in business by becoming a pioneering entrepreneur in the equipment of French households. He was also a tireless builder: mayor of Melun for 13 years (from 1989 to 2002), he durably transformed our city, working for its development, its modernization, its influence. (…) Jacques Marinelli will remain in our memories as a man of engagement, a man of heart, a man of field. He had been able to combine the excellence of sport, entrepreneurial success and the service of the general interest. His heritage is now part of Melun’s story. “”
