A Changing of the Belgian Guard
The 39th edition of Paris-Roubaix was held on Sunday, April 17, 1938.
A three-time winner of P-R, Gaston Rebry, arrived with great form. His presence provided great inspiration to the young Belgian neo-pros.
From the start a cold north wind (head wind) hindered the peloton. However, in order to warm up riders set a fast pace.
Race Status:
Through the feed zone in Breteuil (97 km / 255 km), all early breakaways were controlled. A compact peloton processed through the zone.
On the Doullens Hill (160 km / 255 km), the strong north wind kept attacks from succeeding.
Rebry launched a series of hard attacks through Arras (198 km / 255 km), and onto his favored cobble sections. Quickly each attack was answered by the peloton.
The first meaningful breakaway came in the closing kilometers when Louise Hardiquest (De Dion), one of Belgium's top classics riders, opened a large gap. Neo-pro Lucien Storme (A. Leducq) had the speed to catch Hardiquest, the duo flew into Roubaix.
As the two entered the final kilometers Storme punctured 4 kms from the finish. He quickly got a wheel change and started an inspired pursuit. The gap was closing on the Avenue Gustave Delory and around the final bend a flying Storme caught and passed Hardiquest. Young Lucien Storme (Bel) beat veteran Louise Hardiquest (Bel) by 10 meters.
The prestigious Paris-Roubaix victory was the “crown jewel” of Storme’s career.
Lucien Storme (Bel)
P-R April 17, 1938 |
255 Km, Argenteuil (west of Paris) to Roubaix (Ave Gustave Delory)
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1.
Lucien STORME (Bel) 8h13'38” |
2.
Louise Hardiquest (Bel) |
3.
Marcel Van Houtte (Bel) +6” |
Starters: 171 / Finishers: 59 Average Speed: 30.936 km/h |
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P-R 1937
P-R 1939
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