| Van Hevel the Toast of Belgium
The 25th edition of Paris-Roubaix was held on Sunday, April 6, 1924.
SPECIAL NOTE: Since 1896 the Paris-Roubaix Classic had grown in popularity. This 25th edition became a victim of huge crowds with their cars on the course blocking the progress of the race. Journalists called for additional measures of crowd control.
SPECIAL NOTE: 145 talented riders come to Suresnes for the 1924 P-R, unfortunately Belgian Omer Huyse could not take the start. While signing the start sheet and collecting his “race number,” his bicycle was stolen! Local police searched diligently but at 6 am, on the last call, the bike had not been recovered. Huyse abandoned the race without riding an inch.
A stellar field came to the start in Suresnes to contest the 1924 Paris-Roubaix. At 6:30 am the starter sent the riders off from the ‘depart fictif’ for a 10 km “neutral zone”. In Le Vesinet, the depart réel (actual start), the real racing heated up. However, a slow early pace put the race an hour behind the scheduled arrival time.
Race Status:
Before Beauvais (81 km / 270 km), the peloton’s relaxed ride had a large number in the group.
Through Amiens (137 km / 270 km), a continued passive pace had the peloton one hour behind the scheduled arrival time.
Through Doullens (167 km / 270 km), a 3-rider breakaway brought the race alive on the Doullens Hill.
Hindered by a brisk headwind the three leaders struggled and Henri Pelissier's 8 rider chase group reconnected with the breakaway.
The brutal wind caused a regrouping of the peloton, and the group became thirty riders strong. As the kms ticked off attacks were plentiful, but none managed to escape.
The 30-riders came into Roubaix with teams lining up their sprinters to contest the rouleurs for the victory.
Ulta-powerful Belgian Jules Van Hevel (Wonder) used a huge gear to lead out a long sprint. Under the 1 km to go banner Van Hevel went clear with Henri Pelissier (Automoto), Nicolas Frantz (Alcyon), Maurice Ville (Individual), and Robert Gerbaud (Individual) led the peloton scrambling to respond. The long finishing straight was slightly uphill and perfect for Van Hevel’s huge gear. He easily crossed the finish line first.
To the delight of the Belgian fans Jules Van Hevel (Bel) completed his effort with a prestigious P-R victory.
P-R April 6, 1924 |
270 Km, Suresnes (west of Paris) to Roubaix (Ave des Villas)
|
1.
Jules VAN HEVEL (Bel) 10h34'00” |
2.
Maurice Ville (Fra) |
3.
Felix Sellier (Bel) |
Starters: 145 / Finishers: 56 Average Speed: 25.962 km/h |
|
P-R 1923
P-R 1925
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