France’s Marc Madiot Wins Paris-to-Roubaix Race
Marc Madiot of France won the 83rd edition of the punishing Paris-to-Roubaix cycling event Sunday, beating countryman and teammate Bruno Wojtinek by more than a minute.
Ireland’s Sean Kelly was third, edging American Greg Lemond in the final sprint through the Roubaix Velodrome.
Madiot became only the second Frenchman to win the difficult one-day race--characterized by brutal terrain and cold spring weather--since Louison Bobet did it in 1956. France’s Bernard Hinault was victorious here in 1981.
The 165-mile race was run in the teeth of high winds and under frequent chilly showers from Paris north through winding muddy country roads and over uneven cobblestone streets.
Italian star Francesco Moser broke out of the pack 56 miles from the finish line, holding the lead for the next 28 miles until he was caught and passed by Eric Vanderaerden of Belgium.
Thirteen miles from the end, Vanderaerden was, in turn, passed by a small group of riders headed by Madiot, the eventual winner.
Madiot was timed in seven hours, 21 minutes and 10 seconds for an average speed of 22.4.
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
