Charles Terront

Charles Terront in 1922 riding an 1870s Michaudine velocipede at a velodrome.

Charles Terront (9 April 1857 – 31 October 1932) was the first major French cycling star. He won sprint, middle distance and endurance events in Europe and the United States. In September 1891 he won the first Paris–Brest–Paris cycle race, which at was more than double the length of any previous event. He rode a Humber bicycle fitted with prototype removable pneumatic tyres made by Michelin. On 27 September 1893 he left Saint Petersburg in Russia to cycle across Poland and Germany, arriving at the Vélodrome Buffalo in Paris after 14 days and 7 hours.