| Unknown Swiss Sprinter Wins a 'Spring Double'
The 24th edition of Paris-Roubaix was held on Sunday, April 1, 1923.
Heiri Suter (Gurtner) was emerging from the shadow of retiring Suisse champion Oscar Egg. One-week earlier Suter scored a victory in the Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) and came to Paris-Roubaix with great fitness.
264 (!) registered riders came to the start in Suresnes. The race rolled off at 5:30 am at the depart fictif. The peloton proceeded across the “neutral zone” and started the race in Le Vesinet at the depart réel (10 km into the race).
As usual the race started at fast pace. Attacks were plentiful, but the peloton remained nearly intact through the first half of the race.
Race Status:
Approaching the Doullens hill (167 km / 265 km), true to form the Pelissier brothers (Henri and Francis) attacked and rode over the top with a gap. A 6-rider breakaway formed with Suter trapped in the second group.
Henri Pelissier and Charles Deruyter leading on the hill at Doullens.
The dusty roads of “no man's land” approaching Arras (211 km / 270 km), caused breathing problems for the chase group. A large number of riders abandoned the race.
By Arras, Suter's chase group regained the lead breakaway.
There are only twenty-three riders coming into the suburbs of Roubaix.
The finish line, slightly uphill, was ideal for Heiri Suter, whose closing speed was superior to the other breakaway riders. Frenchman Marcel Huot started the sprint a long way from the finish line. At the 200-meter sign he has a two-length lead, when Henri Suter started his effort.
Heiri Suter (Sui) executed a brilliant sprint to gain a grand victory. He was the first rider to complete the Flanders/Paris-Roubaix double victory in the same year.
SPECIAL NOTE: Since Suter’s victory was not anticipated, the local band did not know the Suisse national anthem. They had to play “La Marseillaise” for the podium ceremony.
P-R April 1, 1923 |
270 Km, Suresnes (west of Paris) to Roubaix (Ave des Villas)
|
1.
Heiri SUTER (Sui) 8h58'15” |
2.
Rene Vermandel (Bel) |
3.
Felix Sellier (Bel) |
Starters: 268 ! / Finishers: 89 Average Speed: 30.098 km/h |
|
P-R 1922
P-R 1924
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