54th Ronde van Vlaanderen 1970 / Tour of Flanders (Belgium)

A Wide Open Ronde

The early breakaways were caught and the peloton entered Geraardsbergen basically together. On the traditional launching pad of the Muur de Geraardsbergen 1967 Tour de France champion Roger Pingeon set the pace and sepreated from the peloton. Pre-race favorite Eddy Merckx led a small chase group with Walter Godefroot, and Eric Leman. The trio caught Pingeon just after the Bosberg and formed the final selection of the day.

Pingeon tired in Merelbeke and faded from the group, defending champion Merckx punctured in the final kilometer, while Leman and Godefroot battled to the line. Godefroot led out the sprint, Leman waited patiently. Eric Leman jumped past Godefroot at the line for the prestigious victory and his first Major Classic win.

Eric Leman!!!

SPECIAL NOTE: The 1970 edition of Flanders added 2 climbs: the return of the Muur Geraardsbergen (aka Muur Gammont) and the addition of the famous Bosberg. (Total bergs 8)

RVV 1969

RVV 1971

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