| A Controversial Victory for George Ronsse
The 28th edition of Paris-Roubaix was held on Easter Sunday, April 17, 1927.
This edition of Paris-Roubaix saw massive crowds come to view the race on a beautiful spring day in northern France.
Race Status:
At the control station in Amiens (132 km / 260 km), the compact peloton contained 100 riders.
On the Doullens hill (160 km / 270 km), the usual launching pad of the race, young Belgian George Ronsse (Automoto) dropped everyone except Charles Pelissier (Dilecta). The duo crested the hill with a small lead.
Sensing the danger, the chasers increased their pace. After a 26 km pursuit the breakaway was caught.
Ronsse continued to set a relentless tempo through the feed zone in Arras (195 km / 260 km). Refusing to take food and water Ronsse attacked while the others stopped.
Slowly gaining time he rode brilliantly through the tough cobbled sections north of Arras (202 km / 260 km). His gap expanded.
An elite group of 15 chased hard over the closing kms and caught Ronsse entering Roubaix.
Leading the group onto the Avenue des Villars, Ronsse and Frenchman Joseph Curtel separated from French sprinter Charles Pelissier as the finishing sprint opened-up. The two battled all the way to the line with Curtel crossing the first and apparently taking the victory…! (?) Excited French fan began to celebrate. But…
Roubaix finish line… Curtel (Fra) or Ronsse (Bel)???
When official results were announced, Ronsse first, Curtel second, a near riot erupted. Cries of “Lynch the race officials” came from the angry crowd. Fist fights broke out among supporters of both riders, but the results remained official.
SPECIAL NOTE: Rumor had Ronsse's powerful Automoto team plotting behind the scenes to gain the victory???
Young Belgian George Ronsse
The Ronsse's victory did however mark the start of a brilliant racing career for this strong Belgian.
P-R April 17, 1927 |
260 Km, Suresnes (west of Paris) to Roubaix (Ave des Villas)
|
1.
Georges RONSSE (Bel) 8h32'20” |
2.
Joseph Curtel (Fra) |
3.
Charles Pelissier (Fra) |
Starters: 123 / Finishers: 97 Average Speed: 30.450 km/h |
|
P-R 1926
P-R 1928
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