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By Barry Boyce,
CyclingRevealed Historian
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Young Belgian Dominates
Defending champion Eddy Merckx came to the 69th Edition of Paris-Roubaix on a roll. His early season included four prestigious victories: Tour of Sardinia, Milan-San Remo, Paris-Nice, and Het Volk.
Merckx’s Molteni team controlled the race until Eric De Vlaeminck escaped close to Normain with 30 kms to go. Young Roger Rosiers bridged the gap to De Vlaeminck and attacked. He quickly dropped De Vlaeminck.
Rosiers’ lead held at 45 seconds entering the tough cobbles at Cysoing. After surviving two punctures and a crash Rosiers entered the velodrome with more than a minute lead and easily crossed the finish line for the victory.
P-R April 18, 1971 |
225 Km, Chantilly to Roubaix (Velodrome) |
1.
Roger ROSIERS (Bel) 6h17'53" |
2.
Herman Van Springel (Bel) +1'26" |
3.
Marino Basso (Ita) |
Starters: 135 |
Finishers: 45 |
Average Speed: 42.108 km/h |
P-R 1970
P-R 1972
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