7th Paris-Roubaix 1902 (France)

Lesna Again!

Paris-Roubaix continued to grow in 1902, while the race gained in prestige among the top riders. Brutal rain greeted the 50 starts at the new start line in Chatou. Defending champion Lucien Lesna (Fra) used his great speed midway through the race to breakaway with Edouard Wattelier (Fra). The torrential rains didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the spectators, through every checkpoint huge crowds cheered wildly. Lesna took final control of the race in Arras. Covered in mud Lesna rolled into Roubaix Velodrome to add a second consecutive P-R victory to his list of palmares.

SPECIAL NOTE: Under the direction of the new management team led by Herni Desgrange the popularity of Paris-Roubaix continued to grow in 1902. The race was now rivaling the bigger Bordeaux-Paris as THE race to gain the early season prestige. The bicycle industry began to offer various incentives to place high in the P-R results.

P-R 1901

P-R 1903

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