43rd Paris-Roubaix 1945 (France)

Liberaton!

A fully liberated France welcomed the Paris-Roubaix bicycle race in 1945. Resources were scarce and rationing remained in effect as preparations for race were finalized.

After a slow early pace an elite group of 8 riders broke away from the peloton on the climb of the Doullens Hill. The breakaway through the tough cobblestone sections near Roubaix as the group became 7 (6 French riders). When the race entered the Velodrome defending champion Maurice De Simpelaere (Bel) gained a small gap as the final laps counted down. Paul Maye, a Basque rider from Bayonne, rode an extraordinary last lap to catch and pass de Simpelaere for the victory.

P-R 1944

P-R 1946

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