Three-time Tour de France winner (1953, 1954, 1955) and French cycling legend Louison Bobet was a succesful rider also in the world of one-day races. In fact, he won four of the five monuments (Milano-Sanremo and Giro di Lombardia in 1951, Ronde van Vlaanderen in 1955 and Paris-Roubaix in 1956).
The 39th Ronde van Vlaanderen was held on 27 March 1955. It was 263 km long and included Kluisberg, Kruisberg, Edelareberg, Muur (Geraardsbergen). From the 203 starters, 47 cyclists arrived in the finish.
Rik Van Steenbergen was the favourite of the race. He went away with Louison Bobet, Bernard Gauthier and Hugo Koblet in Geraardsbergen.
They together had a 60 km long breakaway ride. Bobet and Gauthier, the other Fremch cyclist in this group were worked together for Bobet’s victory.
There was an incident with 15 km to go, when the four riders crossed a level-crossing with its barrier down. Because of this, Karel Debaere, who finished 5th, protested against the result, but his claims were rejected.
With his triumph, Louison Bobet became the first French cyclist to win Ronde van Vlaanderen.
MORE LOUISON BOBET ON PELOTONTALES
Fausto Coppi filming Louison Bobet (Tour de France 1953)
Defending champion Fausto Coppi didn’t attend the Tour de France in 1953. He was rather preparing for the World Championships. However, he trained in the Alps during July. So, he visited the Tour de France as a tourist. During the 1950s, there was a unique 4-man group in the peloton, later called the “G4” by … Read more
Louison Bobet’s Giro di Lombardia Victory (1951)
Although Louison Bobet is remembered mostly by his three consecutive Tour de France victories (1953, 1954, 1955), he also had some success in the world of one day races. Actually, Louison Bobet won four of the five monuments, he missed only the triumph at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Nevertheless, he attended La Doyenne three times, his best result … Read more
27 March 1955 Louison Bobet won Ronde van Vlaanderen
Three-time Tour de France winner (1953, 1954, 1955) and French cycling legend Louison Bobet was a succesful rider also in the world of one-day races. In fact, he won four of the five monuments (Milano-Sanremo and Giro di Lombardia in 1951, Ronde van Vlaanderen in 1955 and Paris-Roubaix in 1956). The 39th Ronde van Vlaanderen … Read more
