women's events as Grand Tours, as they are the biggest events in the women's calendar. However, they are not three week stage races, they do not have a special status in the rules and regulations of cycling (such as more points in the UCI Women's World Tour, or allowing an increased number of stages), and some have argued that the races need to visit high mountains (such as the Alps) or contain time trial stages to be considered an equivalent event. Campaign groups such as Le Tour Entier and Cyclists Alliance continue to push organisers and the UCI to allow for longer stage races for women, as well as to improve the quality and economic stability of the women's peloton to allow for three week long races in future. In May 2023, the Challenge by La Vuelta stage race will increase in length to 7 days, and be renamed 'La Vuelta Femenina'. General Classification winners Wins per year A. Lance Armstrong was declared the winner of seven consecutive Tours from 1999 to 2005. However, on 22 October 2012, he was stripped of all his titles by the UCI for his use of performance-enhancing drugs. The organizers of the Tour de France announced that the winner's slot would remain empty in the record books, rather than transfer the win to the second-place finishers each year. Wins per rider Active riders marked in bold. Wins by country Winners of all three Grand Tours Seven cyclists have won all three of the Grand Tours during their career: Jacques Anquetil: 5 Tours (1957, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964), 2 Giros (1960, 1964), 1 Vuelta (1963). Felice Gimondi: 1 Tour (1965), 3 Giros (1967, 1969, 1976), 1 Vuelta (1968) Eddy Merckx: 5 Tours (1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1974), 5 Giros (1968, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974), 1 Vuelta (1973) Bernard Hinault: 5 Tours (1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1985), 3 Giros (1980, 1982, 1985), 2 Vueltas (1978, 1983) Alberto Contador: 2 Tours (2007, 2009), 2 Giros (2008, 2015), 3 Vueltas (2008, 2012, 2014) Vincenzo Nibali: 1 Tour (2014), 2 Giros (2013, 2016), 1 Vuelta (2010). Chris Froome: 4 Tours (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017), 1 Giro (2018), 2 Vueltas (2011, 2017). Hinault and Contador are the only cyclists to have won each Grand Tour at least twice. Winners of three or more consecutive Grand Tours Fausto Coppi: 3 Grand Tours – Giro (1952), Tour (1952), Giro (1953). Eddy Merckx: