Belgian cyclist Herman Vanspringel dies aged 79

A cyclist (Tim Goode/PA)

Belgian cyclist Herman Vanspringel, who lost the 1968 Tour de France on the final day and became famously known as Monsieur Bordeaux-Paris for winning the marathon classic seven times, has died aged 79.

Tour de France organisers confirmed the death on Thursday in a tribute to the rider known as much for his close finishes as his victories.