WW2 Didn't Stop the Ronde
The 24th edition of the Tour of Flanders was held March 31, 1940.
World War 2 had engulfed Europe, but the Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) went on as scheduled. Top riders of the time did come to compete in front of huge crowds, which were full of soldiers in uniform.
Race Status:
A group of three escaped on the climb of the Kwaremont with 80 km to go (about 50 miles).
The peloton split into multiple groups following the climb of the Kwaremont. The lead group expanded following the climb.
The breakaway group was reduced to six riders on the climb of the Edelareberg.
Seven kms to the finish Achiel Buysse (Dilecta) used his superior breakaway speed and dropped everyone. He rode solo into the finish in Wetteren. The young Belgian earned the 1940 Tour of Flanders victory.
Flanders March 31, 1940 |
211 Km, Gent to Wetteren |
1. Achiel BUYSSE (Bel) 6h02'00” |
2. Georges Christiaens (Bel) +20” |
3. Briek Schotte (Bel) |
Starters: 103  Finishers: 34 Average Speed: 34.970 km/h |
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RVV 1939 RVV 1941
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