44th Paris-Roubaix 1946 (France)

Claes Surprises the “Unbeatable" Superstar

Belgian George Claes, a solid road rider, was not among the favorites for the 1946 Paris-Roubaix victory. Tour of Flanders winner Rik Van Steenbergen coming off an incredibly strong early spring schedule was tabbed by the pundits as unbeatable.

A very strong headwind made breakaway attempts nearly impossible. Misfortune came early for Van Steenbergenas when a puncture dropped him from the peloton. After a hard 40 km (25 mile) chase a second mechanical failure forced Van Steenbergen to abandon the race.

A three rider breakaway held a slim lead into Roubaix and entered the Velodrome to contest the sprint. George Claes launched a huge attack with 1 lap of the track to go. The Belgian sprinted to a 2 meter victory over Frenchman Louis Gauthier.

P-R 1945

P-R 1947

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