72nd Paris-Roubaix 1974 (France)

Mr. Paris-Roubaix Cruises to Victory

SPECIAL NOTE: the number of cobbled sections on this year’s race route was expanded to 49 kms.  The brutal Arenberg Forest was not on the 1974 route. 

The race left the start in Chantilly at an aggressive pace. Frenchman Michel Demore constantly attacked and escaped at the 87 km mark of the race.  By the time the peloton hit the cobbles in Neuvilly Demore had been caught. 

Crashes and punctures on the cobbled sections thinned the lead group to 40 riders. The pace quickened when young Italian Francesco Moser attacked with Walter Godefroot. An untimely puncture by Godefroot left Moser solo with a small 50 second lead.

Roger De Vlaeminck made a bold move off the front of the chase group with only 29 kms to go and closed on Moser. Eighteen kms later De Vlaeminck caught Moser. Taking all risks the duo flew over the finishing cobbled section when Moser lost control and crashed. Moser quickly remounted but De Vlaeminck didn’t wait. The crowd at the velodrome roared as the Gypsy entered the track. 

Roger De Vlaeminck crossed the finish line for the victory 57 seconds ahead of a solo Moser. The pack finished 1’24” behind.

P-R 1973

P-R 1975

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