WW2 Didn't Stop the Ronde
World War 2 had engulfed Europe but the Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) went on as scheduled. Top riders of the time came to compete in front of huge crowds full of soldiers in uniform.
A small group escaped on the climb of the Oude Kwaremont with 80 km to go (about 50 miles). The group was reduced to six riders on the climb of the Edelareberg.
Approaching the finish Achiel Buysse used his suprior closing speed and dropped everyone. He rode solo into the finish in Wetteren. He earned the 1940 Tour of Flanders victory.
| Flanders March 31, 1940 |
| 211 Km, Gent to Wetteren |
1. Achiel BUYSSE (Bel) 6h02'00” |
2. Georges Christiaens (Bel) +20” |
3. Briek Schotte (Bel)
|
Starters: 103 |
| Finishers: 34 |
Average Speed: 34.970 km/h |
RVV 1939
RVV 1941
Return to the Timeline ToC
Return to the Race Snippets ToC |
24th Ronde van Vlaanderen 1940 / Tour of Flanders (Belgium) 
