During the first half century in the history of Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders) the race wasn’t meant for British cyclists. Before 1961 non of them finished the race.
Then came the 45th edition and Tom Simpson, already a well-known name in the world of road cycling, but a debutant in the universe of Ronde van Vlaanderen.
Rik Van Looy, “The Emperor” attacked first and together with defending champion Arthur De Cabooter and the Tom Simpson formed a breakaway trio. Later four other riders joined the group, including Simpson’s own teammate Jo de Haan.
Unfortunatelly Van Looy crashed on the Kruijsberg and had to abandon the race. (He came back next year, of course, and won the Ronde)
Simpson entered the final lap with Nino Defilippis, a better sprinter, but a newbie at Ronde van Vlaanderen too.
At the finish line in Wetteren organizers faced a special challenge when the wind dislodged the bindings holding one side of the finishing banner, causing it to flap erratically in the breeze. Despite frantic attempts to resecure it, the banner refused to stay in place, prompting the finish line judges to make a swift decision. With time running short and no immediate solution in sight, they opted for a makeshift alternative: a man waving a red flag to indicate the position of the finish line.
Meanwhile the two cyclists entered the final phase of the race. Simpson launched an early attack, seemingly suiting Defilippis better who was now in the second position waiting for his right moment. Yet as the Italian seemed poised to claim the victory, Simpson executed a masterstroke of deception, easing off slightly with 300 meter to go, luring Defilippis into a false sense of security.
Believing victory was within his grasp, the Italian glanced confidently over his left shoulder, only to be met with a surprising absence of Tom. Momentarily thrown off balance by this unexpected turn of events, he found himself momentarily disoriented. Seizing the opportunity with lightning reflexes, Simpson surged forward on the right, executing a daring maneuver that helped him to win Ronde van Vlaanderen.
Tom Simson was the first British and the 8th non-Belgian to win Ronde van Vlaanderen.