| Liberaton!
The 43rd edition of Paris-Roubaix was held on Sunday, April 9, 1945.
A fully liberated France welcomed the Paris-Roubaix bicycle race in 1945. Resources remained scarce and rationing stayed in effect as preparations for the race were finalized.
Race Status:
After a slow early pace, an elite group of 8 riders broke away from the peloton on the climb of the Doullens Hill (152 km / 246 km).
The breakaway through the tough cobblestone sections near Roubaix as the lead group became 7 strong (6 French riders). Defending champion Maurice De Simpelaere (Alcyon) was prominently in the group.
When the race entered the velodrome Maurice De Simpelaere (Bel) caught a small gap as the final 3 laps counted down. Paul Maye (Alcyon), a Basque rider from Bayonne, rode an extraordinary last lap to catch and pass a fading De Simpelaere for the victory.
Louis Thietard (Ray) finished second and Kleber Piot (Dilecta) sprinted to third place.
P-R April 9, 1945 |
246 Km, St. Denis (north of Paris) to Roubaix (Velodrome)
|
1.
Paul MAYE (Fra) 7h52'44” |
2.
Louis Thietard (Fra) |
3.
Kleber Piot (Fra) |
Starters: 100 / Finishers: 28 Average Speed: 31.212 km/h |
|
P-R 1944 P-R 1946
Return to the Timeline ToC
Return to the Race Snippets ToC |
