| Houa Continues to Shine
The 3rd edition of Liege-Bastogne-Liege was held on August 26, 1894.
The organizers of third edition of L-B-L offered a race for professional and amateur riders. The organizers modified the racecourse because routing of the race into the center of Liege became difficult. The new course started and finished in nearby Spa. The city of Spa being chosen because it was a great “professional cycling center” in the 1890’s.
Competing on a shorter (223 km instead of 250 km previously) but on a much hillier route. To-time defending champion Leon Houa once again controlled the race. He beat Belgian Louis Rasquinet by 7’00”, and Rene Nulens (Bel) in third place by 25'00".
The winning time in 1894 shattered the race record for average speed (from 23.500 km/h in 1893 to 25.150 km/h).
Future Tour de France and Paris-Roubaix winner Maurice Garin finished fourth.
SPECIAL NOTE: The organizers took a 14-year hiatus after the 1894 race. Le Doyenne returned in 1908.
L-B-L August 26, 1894 |
223 Km, L-B-L (Spa-Bastogne-Spa)
|
1. Leon Houa (Bel) 8h52'05" |
2. Louis Rasquinet (Bel) +7'00" |
3. Rene Nulens (Bel) +25'00" |
Starters: 42 (with pacers) / Finishers: 14 Ave Speed: 25.150 km/h |
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L-B-L 1908
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