Gijssels: Best of a Stellar Field of Racers
The 16th edition of the Tour of Flanders was held March 13, 1932. The race rolled off from Gent with temperatures just above freezing.
SPECIAL NOTE: The field included Jef Demuysere (1932 Belgian champion), Georges Ronsse (two-time World Road Race champion), Frans Bonduel1930 (Flanders winner), Alfons Deloor, and a young Gustaaf Deloor (the future Vuelta a Espana champion in 1935).
Defending champion Romain Gijssels (Dilecta-Wolber) danced across the cobbles and flew up all four bergs. Gijssels broke away from a very strong peloton and rode solo to the finish. He rolled across the finish line to gain a repeat Ronde Van Vlaanderen victory in 1932.
SPECIAL NOTE: In 1932 the popularity of the race began to escalate. The race experienced an increased number of spectators along the racecourse. Traffic jams were huge behind the race as fans followed the race in cars on motorbikes and bicycles. The organizers would have to re-think the number of follow-vehicles allowed.
SPECAIL NOTE: Two weeks after his Flanders victory in 1932 Gijssels capped a strong spring schedule with a victory at Paris-Roubaix and earned a difficult Flanders/Paris-Roubaix Double victory.
Flanders March 13, 1932 |
227 Km, Gent to Wetteren |
1.
Romain GIJSSELS (Bel) 6h59'35” |
2.
Alfons Deloor (Bel) +3'15" |
3.
Alfred Haemerlinck (Bel) +4'30" |
Starters: 120 |
Finishers: 44 |
Average Speed: 32.510 km/h |
|
RVV 1931  RVV 1933
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