 The rules in 1963 did not allow cyclists to change bicycles, unless there was a mechanical problem.Anquetil's team director, Raphaël Géminiani, thought that Anquetil could use a different bicycle on the ascent of the Col de la Forclaz, so he advised Anquetil to fake a mechanical problem on the start of that climb; Géminiani cut through a gear cable, and claimed that it snapped.Anquetil could thus use a light bicycle with lower gears, especially suited for a climb, which gave him an advantage on his competitors.