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Sylvère Maes

French Tour de France winner Roger Lapebie crossing the railway during the scandalous edition of Tour de France in 1937

The most scandalous Tour de France ever

The first Tour de France without Henri Desgrange in charge since the creation of the event in 1903 didn’t go down well in the history of road cycling at all.   In 1937 Jacques Goddet was full in charge and with him came the first big change: it was the first time when gear change was allowed. Each team had its own car with extra material to help with mechanical problems. On the other hand, this was the last time riders without a team could attend the race. Nevertheless, these type of riders played an important role in this particular edition. This was the 31st edition, held between 30 June and 25 July in 1937.… Read More »The most scandalous Tour de France ever

Sylvére Maes, winner if the Tour de France in 2939 on the descent of Col d' Izoard

30 July 1939 – The last Tour de France before WWII ends

The 33rd Tour de France was held between 10th and 30th July 1939. This was the last Tour de France before the 2nd world war. The next edition was held 1947. Because of the tense political situation in Europe, Italy, Spain and Germany didn’t took part in the competition, which means, Gino Bartali couldn’t defend his title. Sylvére Maes won the race. TOP 10 of the general classification Sylvère Maes (Belgium): 132hr 3min 17sec René Vietto (France South-East) 30min 38sec Lucien Vlaemynck (Belgium B) 32min 38sec Mathias Clemens (Luxembourg) 36min 9sec Edward “Ward” Vissers (Belgium) 38min 5sec Sylvain Marcaillou (France) 45min 16sec Albertin Disseaux (Belgium B) 46min 54sec Jan Lambrichs (Holland) 48min 1sec Albert Ritserveldt… Read More »30 July 1939 – The last Tour de France before WWII ends

moments iconic France de Tour

Josephine Baker visits Tour de France (1936)

The famous French dancer visited the peloton in 1936. This wasn’t the only occasion, she already made an appearance in 1933 on the first stage of the race. Sylvère Maes and especially his namesake Romain Maes surely enjoyed a fanboy moment.