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OTD 1928: Paris-Tours
Even then, they knew it was a chariot race...
Even then, they knew it was a chariot race...
Lots has changed and yet at Paris-Tours. It's moved to the other end of the calendar. It's been downgraded. But lots is still the same. The route's not that different today, a few of the old towns have been by-passed but generally today's route hasn't changed that much.
One of the things that has changed is the way races in this era were plugged in the papers. Photography wasn't ubiquitious and so cartoonists were popular. Here's two profiles of Charles Pélissier, one of the fastest roadmen of the time.
Two more caricatures: Francis Pélissier who's nearing the end of his road career + soon set to become a successful DS; Ferdinand le Drogo who was there or thereabouts a lot and eventually won the Worlds, in 1931.
Two of those riders in real life for you. before the start: Charles Pélissier (drinking from his bidon) and Ferdinand le Drogo.
On the start line in Suresnes: Charles Pélissier is the one in the white leggings + the Dilecta jersey, while it's not clear who the three riders flanking him in the Rols jerseys are. On the right it might be Georges Cuvelier + Achille Souchard might be one of two on the right.
The flag's been waved and the riders are rolling out of Suresnes.
And on out of the city toward Versailles ...
Not much happens in the early part of the race save for an attack from Charles Pélissier 30 kms in that has the peloton hanging their tongues out chasing him down. The Gods are smiling at this fun + even the level crossings close as he passes. But it only lasts a dozen kms or so.
KM 116, Bonneval.
Antonin Magne, Charles Meunier, Rémy Van Impe, Denis Verschueren, Georges Ronsse.
Still nothing much happening.
Antonin Magne, Charles Meunier, Rémy Van Impe, Denis Verschueren, Georges Ronsse.
Still nothing much happening.
KM 130, Châteaudun.
The feed zone. Achille Souchard, last seen on the start line in Suresnes.
This pic is so many kinds of fabulous.
The feed zone. Achille Souchard, last seen on the start line in Suresnes.
This pic is so many kinds of fabulous.
Same as above, this time Léon Parmentier. He's not hanging about, it's grab and go time for him.
And now it's Julien Vervaecke.
And this is that little Bulldog who won Paris-Roubaix yesterday / in 1935. Gaston Rebry. He's definitely not hanging about.
Behind him is Eugène Greau.
Behind him is Eugène Greau.
KM 150. Fontaine. The rolling roads are breaking things up a bit but you know it's all going to come back together again. This is Paris-Tours. You know it's going to end in a sprint.
KM 160. Vendôme. Round about now @thecoureur would be château spotting to stave off the slumber. The Discosport commentator is probably talking about cheese. Or wine. Over on ITV they're just practicising mangling someone's name, to make you want to throw something at the telly.
Just past Vendôme. Funny how that railway bridge almost looks timeless.
Where this is I'm not sure but it's the 2nd half of the race + 2 of the 3 Pélissiers who took the start have chucked in the towel, Henri + Francis leaving it down to Charles to honour the family name. (One race + 3 Pélissiers? The Mosers would just scoff, right @herbiesykes?)
KM 225. Bléré. Things are getting exciting now. There's a small hill here that allows a small group to go clear.
Marius Galottini and Kastor Notter are putting the pressure on. Also in the break are Marcel Bidot, Denis Verschueren, and that man Achille Souchard again.
Marius Galottini and Kastor Notter are putting the pressure on. Also in the break are Marcel Bidot, Denis Verschueren, and that man Achille Souchard again.
Behind, Charles Pélissier has missed the bus. He puts up an heroic chase, aided by Nicolas Frantz + Marius Galottini (who fell out of the back of the break). Right at the door of the vélodrome they catch the break. After 250 kms of racing it's down to three laps of the track.
It looks a lot less elegant in real life:
Smile for the camera.
The full plate, and how it appeared in the Miroir a couple of days later.
The full plate, and how it appeared in the Miroir a couple of days later.
To the victor, the flowers, and a lap of honour.
Sources: L'Auto and Miroir des Sports for the story of the race. Most of the pix come from the Miroir. The poorest looking ones come from L'Auto, as do the marvelous drawings. The black and white plates are all from the BnF. Everything's got through the incomparable @GallicaBnF.
