40th Paris-Roubaix 1939 (France)

WW2 Overshadows P-R in 1939

Political tensions continued to worsen as the 40th Pars-Roubaix commenced. World champion Marcel Kint (Bel) led the list of favorite.

Relentless attacking thinned the peloton but no final breakaway was allowed to form. Jean Majerus and Roger Lapebie established a solid lead through the cobbles at Wattignies. A group of 14 chased hard but could not close the gap. Emile Masson jumped away from the chaser group with only 12 kms to the finish and caught Majerus and Lapebie. Without hesitation Masson blew right past the two leaders. His pace was brutal but the victory was in sight.

A tiring Emile Masson came around the final corner onto the Avenue Gustave Delory and powered to the victory. Marcel Kint won the field sprint 1'30” behind Masson.

P-R 1938

P-R 1943

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