Tafi’s “Lifelong Dream” a Paris-Roubaix Victory
Andrea Tafi (Ita) had come close in Paris-Roubaix, 2nd in 1998, and 3rd in 1997, but the top step of the podium had eluded him. Tafi came to Paris-Roubaix with one purpose in 1999, fulfill a lifelong dream and win the “Hell of the North”.
The 18 rider breakaway raced through Cobbled Zone #9 (9 of 27, counting down), Mons-en-Pevele. Tafi continually launched unsuccessful attacks. The lead group was 6 riders with 12 more chasing close behind. With more than 40 kms to go the lead group came back together.
Repeated attacks by Tafi were answered until Zone #6 when the Italian launched his sixth attack. This time he escaped. With 29 kms to go Tafi held a 22” lead over 6 chasers, two were his teammates. Slowly the Cobbled Zones counted down as the inspired Italian gained precious seconds:
| Zone #5 (25km to go) +36” to 6 chasers, +2’25” to the peloton |
| Zone #4 +1’15” |
| 9 km to go +1’40” |
| Zone #2 (5 km to go) +2’02” |
Andrea Tafi entered the velodrome alone and cruised to a 2’14” victory over Mapei teammate Wilfried Peeters (Bel) and 2’26” over another teammate Tom Steels (Bel).
P-R April 11, 1999 |
273 Km, Compiegne to Roubaix (Velodrome) |
1. Andrea TAFI (Ita) 6h44’15” |
2.
Wilfried Peeters (Bel) 2’14” |
| 3.
Tom Steels (Bel) 2’26” |
Starters: 189 |
Finishers: 66 |
Average Speed: 40.519 km/h |
P-R 1998
P-R 2000
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97th Paris-Roubaix 1999 (France) 
