51st World Championship Road Race 1984

Hot Weather and the Cool Belgian

On a hot and humid Spanish day in September the world’s best cyclists raced around the tough Montjulich Circuit on the outskirts of Barcelona, Spain. At precisely 9 AM the starter’s pistol fired sending the 119 starters onto the 13.45 km circuit. 

The heat and humidity took its toll on the riders as many top stars abandoned the race. Attacks and counter-attacks were featured for most of the race until five riders formed a decisive breakaway. Bernard Bourreau (Fra) broke clear on the first climb of the next to last lap and was joined by Claude Criquielion (Bel). Hubert Seiz (Sui), Palmiro Masciarelli (Ita), and Angel Arroyo (Spa) also jumped away and quickly bridge the gap with the shattered peloton still chasing. 

The breakaway hit the steep climb on the final lap Criquielion notice Robert Millar closing on the group. The Belgian didn’t want the British rider to connect with the leaders and increased the tempo on the climb. No one could answer the move. Unwittingly Criquielion rode away from his four tired companions and was forced to continue alone. Italian Claudio Corti jumped away from the Millar group after his teammate Masciarelli was dropped by the Belgian. 

Criquielion was extending the gap to Millar but Corti was getting closer. Through a small tunnel one and a half kilometers from the finish the lead was 18 seconds. Under the one kilometer banner Corti had the gap down to 15 seconds. But Belgian Claude Criquielion held off the late charge and crossed the finish line in disbelief. The World Championship jersey belonged to Belgium. Italian Claudio Corti, gallant to the end, finish in second place 14 seconds behind.

WCRR 1983

WCRR 1985

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