| “Ferdi’s Double”… AGAIN in 1952
The 38th edition of Liege-Bastogne-Liege was held on May 11, 1952.
Achieving the Ardennes Double (a victory in both the Fleche Wallonne and Liege-Bastogne-Liege) in 1951 wasn't enough for Swiss champion Ferdi Kubler. He returned in 1952 to claim the Ardennes 'weekend' Double victory AGAIN!!!
The organizers increased the difficulty of the racecourse in 1952. The tough climb of the Cote de Wanne, just 60 km from the finish in Liege, was added to the parcours.
Race Status:
French star Louison Bobet (Stella) used the new climb (169 km / 229 km), as a launching pad. Defending champion Ferdi Kubler (Frejus), enjoying super form, joined Bobet with an attentive Jean Robic (Colomb) and Henri Van Kerckhove (Mercier) in tow.
Descending the Wanne Bobet suffered a puncture and dropped from the lead group.
Fleche-Wallonne |
Liege-Bastogne-Liege |
An inspired Kubler, wearing the ‘rainbow jersey’ of World Champion, drove the pace and drained the energy of Robic and Van Kerckhove. When the breakaway came into Liege, Kubler dropped Robic and easily outsprinted a young Van Kerckhove for the victory!
Not only was Kubler the first rider to claim the Ardennes Double, but he is also the only rider to claim two Ardennes Doubles.
SPECIAL NOTE: Kubler’s grand accomplishment was not that he did it twice, but he did it back-to-back.
L-B-L May 11, 1952 |
229 Km, Liege-Bastogne-Liege
|
1.
Ferdi KUBLER (Sui) 6h28'08" * |
2.
Henri Van Kerckhove (Bel) |
3.
Jean Robic (Fra) +15" |
Starters: 132 / Finishers: 55  Ave Speed: 35.402 km/h |
|
Fleche Wallone May 10, 1952 |
220 Km [ Charleroi to Liege ] |
1.
Ferdi KUBLER (Sui) 5h59'59" * |
2.
Stan Ockers (Bel) |
3.
Roger Impanis (Bel) |
Starters: 111 |
Finishers: 47 |
Average Speed: 36.670 km/h |
L-B-L 1951 L-B-L 1953
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