The previous owner was a good amateur rider from the area near Mont Ventoux and finished second on this bike in a race finishing at the top of the famous climb. He rode several races in the area, had two wins and two third places on this bike before he changed to a Gitane when Hinault made them famous.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercier-Special-Service-des-Courses-vintage-racing-bike-Mafac-Simplex-Gold-Wow-/220985720442?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item3373c67e7a