| Aucouturier Again!
The 9th edition of Paris-Roubaix was held on Sunday, April 3, 1904.
SPECIAL NOTE: Although motorized pacers were eliminated in 1901, tandem and triplet bicycle pacers were allowed until this year. Organizers tried to ‘level the playing field' for all competitors by eliminating “pacers.”
Defending champion Hyppolite Aucouturier (Fra) came to the start in Chatou with a large number of new contenders. Without ‘pacers’ riders were now responsible for carrying spare tires, water bottles, and enough food to survive the long race.
SPECIAL NOTE: In Chatou Aucouturier confidently stated: “Last year you forgot me on your list of favorites and I won. Today, you have me as a favorite for victory… this time you are right, for I am going to win!”
Race Status:
Aucouturier broke clear in a 4-rider breakaway near Breteuil (101 km into the race / 268 km).
On the road to Amiens (154 km / 268 km), Lucien Pothier (Fra) assumed the pace making. The breakaway led Edouard Wattelier (Fra) and Paul Trippier (Fra) by 1’00”, and Eugène Christophe‘s group by 2’00”.
Helped by a strong tailwind the group climbed the Doullens hill (172 km / 268 km), the breakaway rode well ahead of schedule.
In Arras (200 km / 268 km), Aucouturier was first at the check point, 3’00” ahead of Cesar Garin’s group.
Cesar’s brother Maurice boldly said “It is not a problem for Cesar. He will beat Aucouturier on the tough cobbled sections.”
In Carvin (240 km / 268 km), Garin caught the leader.
At Ascq (260 km / 268 km), a bit of controversy occurred when a car from the race entourage came too close to Garin, sending him to the ground. He remounted and reconnected quickly.
SPECIAL NOTE: The race had arrived in Roubaix an hour ahead of schedule due to a strong tailwind and the spectators were still seated at home. Local folk-legend tells us that the officials’ car had to race ahead to unlock the velodrome.
At the velodrome in Roubaix Aucouturier and Cesar Garin (Fra) were alone and watching each other closely. Aucouturier went for a long sprint and held off Garin late charge to gain his second P-R victory.
Defending champion Hyppolite Aucouturier (Fra) become the third 'two-time winner' of Paris-Roubaix.
Lucien Pothier (Fra) arrived 2’50” later to claim third place.
P-R April 3, 1904 |
268 Km, Chatou (west of Paris) to Roubaix (Velodrome - Rue Verte, Criox)
|
1.
Hyppolite AUCOUTURIER (Fra) 8hr14’30” |
2.
Cesar Garin (Fra) |
3.
Lucien Pothier (Fra) +2'50" |
Starters: 64 / Finishers: 42 Average Speed: 32.518 km/h |
|
P-R 1903
P-R 1905
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