63rd Paris-Roubaix 1965 (France)

Super Champion Ties the Record

Paris-Roubaix was the “Queen of the Classics” and the most coveted race in 1965. All the great stars of the day came to contest for this prestigious victory.

The final selection was made with 25 km to go. Ten riders went clear and would contest the final sprint. Several untimely punctures thinned the group when aging superstar Rik Van Looy launched an attack with 10 km to the velodrome finish. Only Noel Fore could hold Van Looy's wheel. When Fore punctured for the second time Van Looy found himself alone in the lead.

He entered the velodrome to a huge ovation and with tears in his eyes crossed the finish line for his record-tying third Paris-Roubaix victory. “This is the finest victory of my career…” Van Looy said after the race. The 1965 P-R was his first major victory since his 1962 P-R victory and rumors of his decline were put to rest.

P-R 1964

P-R 1966

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