2nd Ronde van Vlaanderen 1914 / Tour of Flanders (Belgium)

Alcyon Star Keeps His Promise to Race

The 2nd running Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) in 1914 was held due to the efforts of ‘financial guru’ Léon van den Haute. Although the race had been a success in 1913, the prestige of the Ronde had not "come of age" for the major cycling manufacturers (mostly French). Top riders were not allowed by their professional-trade teams to compete. *

SPECIAL NOTE: * Following orders from their French trade teams, Belgian stars, Cyrille Van Hauwaert (La Francaise-Diamant), Odile Defraye (Alcyon-Soly), Louis Mottiat (Alcyon-Soly), and Jules Masselis (Alcyon-Soly), did not enter because of orders from their French teams.

The oldest brother of the famous Belgian Buysse family, Marcel started the race without the permission of his Alcyon-Soly team. After making a promise to the promoters, Marcel came to the start line in Gent.

SPECIAL NOTE: race organizers shortened the 1914 racecourse (280 km), it was a route similar 1913 without a long section on the Belgian “North Sea” coast.

Henri van Lerberghe (Liberator) attempted a long early breakaway, but the solo attempt was caught by a nine-rider chase group. After the breakaway regrouped Marcel Buysse (Individual), Van Lerberghe and Pierre Van de Velde (Liberator) tried unsuccessful attacks to escape the elite group.

An eight-rider lead group rode back to Gent and entered the velodrome for a four-lap finale.

SPECIAL NOTE: the new finish line of the race was at the “wooden track” velodrome in Evergem.

When the race entered new Deeske Porter Velodrome finish line, Van Lerberghe jumped up the banked track as Buysse, an experienced track rider and excellent sprinter, grabbed the opening, dropped down the track, and attacked. He successfully sprinted away to the victory.

SPECIAL NOTE: 1914 was the last edition of the Tour of Flanders for 5 years because of the battles of World War 1. The third edition of the race returned March 23, 1919.

 

RVV 1913 RVV 1919

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