| Italian “Lion of Flanders” Dominates
The 35th edition of the Tour of Flanders was held April 1, 1951.
AGAIN this year the weather provided the 196 starting riders with miserable conditions.
Two-time defending champion Fiorenzo Magni (Ganna) sat on the front of the peloton all day.
Race Status:
Midway through the race, a lead group of three riders formed, which later became eight escapees.
When the breakaway’s advantage dropped to 30 seconds, Magni bridged across alone.
Using the Oude Kwaremont Magni escaped the leading group with Roger Decock (Bertin), Attilio Redolfi (Mercier), and Loretto Petrucci (Bianchi).
Under the Italian’s pressure, 'one by one' riders were dropped from the lead.
Magni rode solo for the final 75 kms.
Magni alone climbing the Muur van Geraardsbergen.
The powerful Italian “Lion of Flanders” rode away from a dwindling breakaway group to claim a 5 minute plus lead. He cruised into Wetteren to claim his third Tour of Flanders victory in a row. Belgian super star Rik Van Steenbergen was 12 minutes behind in 6th place.
SPECIAL NOTE: Magni’s third victory tied Achiel Buysse’s record!
SPECIAL NOTE: 4 Climbs - Kwaremont, Kruisberg, Edelareberg, Muur van Geraardsbergen.
Flanders April 1, 1951 |
273 Km, Gent to Wetteren |
1.
Fiorenzo MAGNI (Ita) 8h15'00" |
2.
Bernard Gauthier (Fra) +5'35" |
3.
Attilio Redolfi (Fra)+10'32" |
Starters: 196  Finishers: 30 Average Speed: 35.510 km/h |
|
RVV 1950 RVV 1952
Return to the Timeline ToC
Return to the Race Snippets ToC |
