| Changes to the Structure of Paris-Roubaix
The 6th edition of Paris-Roubaix was held on Sunday, April 7, 1901.
Organizers introduced three major structural changes to revitalize a struggling Paris-Roubaix race:
First, the organizers eliminated the use of moto-pacers (however, human powered, tandem and triplet bicycle pacers were allowed).
Second, new sports newspaper L'Auto-Velo led by Henri Desgrange joined the management team for the race. He helped bring much needed financial assistance.
Third, the racecourse was changed back to its original 280 km distance.
A total of 2,800 francs in prize money was distributed to the best eight professional finishers, all donated by various sponsors/advertisers. The winner received 1,200 francs.
The promotional efforts were rewarded with sixty riders at the new start-line in Porte Maillot (a suburb of Paris).
New race director Henri Desgrange called the rider to the start line and official starter Mercier dropped the flag at 6:07 am.
Racecourse:
From Porte Maillot, Paris, to Houilles (10 km), Herouville (42 km), Beauvais (92 km), Amiens (154 km), Doullens (191 km), Arras (214 km), Seclin (247 km), Hem (270 km), Roubaix Velodrome.
Race Status:
On the road to Beauvais (92 km into the race / 280 km), George Lorgeou (Fra) launched the first serious attack. Jean Gougoltz (Sui) and Lucien Lesna (Fra) quickly answered and countered the move. The duo rode away for the pack.
In the breakaway Gougoltz began to struggle and pedaling became irregular. Lesna realized the Suisse rider was suffering a “hunger knock.” He increased the tempo. With no food Gougoltz, a strategic mistake, slowed and faded from the breakaway.
Through Amiens (154 km / 280 km), a solo Lesna extended his lead to a chasing group led by Ambroise Garin (Fra) and Lucien Itsweire (Fra).
Lesna used experience and guile to drop breakaway companion Jean Gougoltz (Fra) midway through the cobbled sections of the north and rode steadily a way from the chasers.
Lucien Lesna (Fra) rode onto Roubaix Velodrome 26 minutes in front of second placed Ambroise Garin (Fra).
SPECIAL NOTE: After cutting ties with the sports magazine Le Vélo, organizer Théodore Vienne partnered with rival magazine L'Auto-Vélo. Angered by the decision Le Vélo announced their creation of a new “Paris-Roubaix” race to be held on the same day. After months of political fighting/roadblocks and advertising disputes the government decided to forbid another P-R. Le Vélo abandoned the project.
P-R April 7, 1901 |
280 Km, Porte Maillot, Paris to Roubaix (Velodrome - Rue Verte, Criox)
|
1. Lucien LESNA (Fra) 10h49'37" |
2. Ambrosio Garin (Fra) +26'01" |
3. Lucien Itsweire (Fra) +40'03" |
Starters: 60 / Finishers: 21 Average Speed: 25.861 km/h |
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P-R 1900
P-R 1902
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