| “Le Joyeux Dede” Ends Belgian Domination
The 29th edition of Paris-Roubaix was held on April 8, 1928.
This edition of Paris-Roubaix attracted an exceptionally talented start list. Defending champion Georges Ronsse (Bel) squared off with the most talented bunch of French riders in years.
When the starters flag dropped the race was animated by multiple attacks.
Race Status:
On the Doullens hill (160 km / 260 km), attacks continued but the peloton answered all escape attempts.
Riders attacking the Doullens Hill.
The first critical action of the race began in Arras (202 km / 260 km).
Leaving Arras (209 km / 260 km), Georges Ronsse (Automoto) pulled away and headed for the tough cobbles of northern France. Charles Pelissier (Dilecta) and Charles Meunier (J.B. Louvet) realized the danger of the move and increased their chase approaching Henin-Beaumont (220 km / 260 km).
The first genuine selection of elite riders formed in the Henin-Lietard cobbled section. Pelissier and Meunier rode onto Ronsse’s wheel. Attentively, André Leducq (Alcyon) and George Rebry (Alcyon) joined the leaders.
French favorite Andre “Dede” Leducq rode prominently in the breakaway until an untimely puncture 25 km from Roubaix. He quickly changed the tire and turned the wheel to get the 17-tooth cog.
The five flew into Roubaix when Charles Pelisier bonked from lack of food and dropped off the group. He abandoned the race.
Into Roubaix Leducq reconnected with the leaders. The three riders arrived on Avenue des Villas to fight for the victory. Ronsse led out the long sprint. André Leducq jumped onto his wheel and overtook Ronsse 50 meters from the finish line.
Leducq used his 47x17 gear to power past Ronsse for the victory. Jubilant French fans hoisted the popular “Dede” Leducq on their shoulders in celebration.
It was the first major victory of the professional career of André Leducq.
Ronsse took second place, Meunier third. Gaston Rebry, suffering stomach cramps, arrived twenty seconds late.
SPECIAL NOTE: Grand French champion Henri Pelissier (P-R Champion in 1919) raced in his final Paris-Roubaix.
P-R April 8, 1928 |
260 Km, Suresnes (west of Paris) to Roubaix (Ave des Villas)
|
1.
Andre "DeDe" LEDUCQ (Fra) 7h44'20” |
2.
Georges Ronsse (Bel) |
3.
Charles Meunier (Bel) |
Starters: 89 / Finishers: 52 Average Speed: 33.597 km/h |
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P-R 1927
P-R 1929
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