| Track Star Smashes the Average Speed Record *
The 5th edition of Paris-Roubaix was held on Sunday, April 16, 1900.
Grand events came to France in 1900. The World's Fair (International Exhibition) was playing in Paris and the second Olympic Games of the modern Era were hosted by France. But the good time did not extend to the organizers of Paris-Roubaix. On April 6th only nineteen riders came to the start line.
The riders were few but talented. Former champion Maurice Garin trained extensively behind a moto-pacer in preparation for the race. Josef Fischer (Ger), P-R's first champion, was making a comeback to the top ranks of cycling but came as Garin's main rival.
From the start in St. Germain, Paris the race pace was brutal. Emile Bouhours (Fra) wanting to avenge his misfortune of 1899, set a fast pace. Garin and Fischer took turns in the lead.
Race Status:
Riding in the lead on the road to Arras (200 km / 269 km), Fischer had an accident and lost his pacer for 20 km. Bouhours caught and passed the unfortunate Fischer, who suffered his sixth puncture.
Garin had his own misfortune when he missed two downed railway crossings. He lost precious time.
Bouhours clear in the lead and rode brilliantly over the tough cobbled sections of the North.
Emile Bouhours, unlucky in 1899, rode brilliantly into Roubaix velodrome. He gained the prestigious victory while smashing the course record * by more than an hour. Fischer limped in for second place 18 minutes behind.
SPECIAL NOTE: Several bad motorcycle collisions with spectators during the 1900 race caused multiple injuries. The accidents convinced organizers to abandon the moto-pacers race-format for 1901.
SPECIAL NOTE: ** Maurice Garins (Fra), angry about his poor performance, entered the velodrome, sat in the center of the track, and refused to complete the six closing laps of the Roubaix velodrome. Because of his time advantage over 4th place the race officials awarded him 3rd place.
P-R April 16, 1900 |
268 Km, Saint-Germain, Paris to Roubaix (Velodrome - Rue Verte, Criox)
|
1. Emile BOUHOURS (Fra) 7h10'30" |
2. Josef Fischer (Ger) +18'00" |
3. Maurice Garin (Fra) +38'30" |
Starters: 19 / Finishers: 10 Average Speed: 37.352 km/h * |
|
P-R 1899
P-R 1901
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