5th Paris-Roubaix 1900 (France)

Track Star Smashes the Average Speed Record

All was right for 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 6, 1900 only 19 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, P-R's first champion, was making a comeback to the top ranks of cycling, but came as Garin's main rival.

Race pace was brutal. Fischer had numerous punctures, Garin missed a railway crossing, but 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 very 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, angry about his poor performance, entered the velodrome, sat in the center of the track and refused to complete the 6 closing laps of the Roubaix velodrome. Because of his time advantage over 4th place the race officials awarded him 3rd place.

 

P-R 1899

P-R 1901

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