| Belgian Power!
The 23rd edition of Paris-Roubaix was held on Sunday, April 16, 1922.
The memory of the Great War gradually faded into history. The infrastructure was being restored, and the race route returned to normal.
The organizers’ newspaper L'Auto expressed great joy at the 182 entries in P-R (148 actual starters). The three major cycling countries came to compete: France, Italy, and Belgium.
SPECIAL NOTE: After 2 years finishing at the Jean Dubrulle Stadium, the organizers decided to move the finish into the center city on a wider road. The 25-meter-wide Avenue des Villas (currently Avenue Gustave Delory) was chosen. The last mile was completely redone by the city to guarantee an optimal surface.
From the start Team JB Louvet launched hostilities. A group, led by Francis and Henri Pelissier, broke away. When they came to a closed ‘level crossing’ (railroad gate) in Acheres (16 km / 263 km), JB Louvet took advantage of the situation by sneaking through the closed barrier and rode away. The determined chase was hard and the sneaky group did not stay off the front for long.
Race Status:
At the Pontoise control point (33 km / 263 km), a strong tailwind aided the riders, and the pace of the race was 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled arrival.
Bad luck struck several contenders, Costante Girardengo (Bianchi), who was the victim of mechanical problems and lost contact with the leaders. Additionally, Belgian René Vermandel shattered his frame, blocking the ability to steer the bike. Girardengo managed to recover and continue, but the Belgian retired from the race.
At the Breteuil control point (112 km / 263 km), the leading group had been reduced to fifteen riders. The pace was so fast the peloton arrived an hour ahead of the expected time.
Girardengo chased back to the leaders just before the Doullens (173 km / 263 km), rejoining them on the famous climb of Paris-Roubaix. He made up delay of 6’00” with the help of his Italian teammate Gaetano Belloni.
Over the top of the Doullens hill, Henri Pelissier pushed a hard pace and rode alone.
The pace in the lead chase group began to slow, until the powerful Belgians took over control of the chase.
In Arras (211 km / 263 km), feeling a “hunger knock” Pelissier slowed and was caught by the 11-rider chase group. Immediately Albert Dejongh (Bel) attacked a tiring Pelissier, the Frenchman could not match effort. The Belgian escaped the group alone.
A solo Dejongh (Bel) stayed ahead and rode onto Avenue Gustave Delory (formally Ave des Villas) in Roubaix for the grand victory.
Six minutes later Jean Rossius (Bel) and Emile Masson sr (Bel) finished second and third respectively and completed the “Belgian” podium. The powerful Belgians took 6 of the top 8 places.
P-R April 16, 1922 |
262 Km, Suresnes (west of Paris) to Roubaix (Ave des Villas)
|
1.
Albert DEJONGHE (Bel)
7h47'00” |
2.
Jean Rossius (Fra) +6'00” |
3.
Emile Masson sr (Bel) |
Starters: 148 / Finishers: 81 Average Speed: 33.690 km/h |
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P-R 1921
P-R 1923
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