Servais Duriau (born 1903 in Jemeppe-sur-Sambre, Belgium; died 1958) was a Belgian professional road cyclist who competed primarily during the late 1920s and early 1930s. He is most notably recognized for his stage victory in the 1930 Tour de France.
Early Life and Career Born in Jemeppe-sur-Sambre, Duriau turned professional in the mid-1920s. He quickly began to make a name for himself in regional races in Belgium and France, showcasing his capabilities as a strong all-around rider.
Professional Career Highlights Duriau's professional career included several significant achievements:
- 1928: He secured a notable victory at the Grand Prix de Fourmies, a prestigious one-day race in France. This year also marked his debut in the grueling Tour de France.
- 1929: Duriau continued his success by winning the Circuit de la Meuse, another regional multi-stage race. He also participated in his second Tour de France, gaining valuable experience.
- 1930: This was the most prominent year of Duriau's career. During the Tour de France, he achieved a memorable stage victory, winning Stage 15, a challenging mountain stage from Evian to Belfort. This win placed him among the elite group of cyclists to have conquered a stage in the world's most famous cycling race.
- He continued to participate in professional cycling for several more years, including further entries in the Tour de France in the early 1930s (e.g., 1931), before concluding his competitive career.
Legacy Servais Duriau is remembered as a competent professional cyclist whose career was highlighted by his Tour de France stage win, an accomplishment that solidified his place in the history of Belgian cycling.