The racers leave from rue Reaumur
Change of package in Belleville
Finish of the winner, Albert Birot
Mme. Trebise, winner of the women's category
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The racers leave from rue Reaumur |
Change of package in Belleville |
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Finish of the winner, Albert Birot |
Mme. Trebise, winner of the women's category |
The newspaper couriers took pride of place on Sunday morning. On their work machines - straight bars, mudguards, clincher tyres, and burdened in addition with a 15kg bundle of newspapers - the competitors had to negotiate a course of 27 kilometres around the streets of the capital, including eight controls. Because the riders were allowed to choose the route they thought best, the competition was more a test of street knowledge and navigation than a conventional race.
The start in rue Reaumur was an entertaining spectacle - brightly coloured jerseys, and multicoloured caps covering both young and greying heads. Some, lacking jerseys, wore sweaters or jackets, and heavy boots and trousers tied at the ankle were as much in evidence as were cycling shoes and plus-fours.
The streets lining the course, and around the checkpoints in particular, were thronged with people. Whenever they are offered the chance of a free show, the people of Paris respond with gusto!
At the checkpoints, the exchange of packages never goes off without a little jostling and some falls, but the edginess of the riders is understandable. Some of the riders take advantage of a moment's pause to refuel: a member of their family stationed with a glass of Port or beaten egg yolks!
In the end Albert Birot was the first to reach the Place de Tertre in Montmartre having completed the course in the good time of 57'19".
The favourite on the course, Lenoir, who led for much of the way, fell victim to a mechanical problem and finished sixth. Flahaut, last year's winner, was forced to abandon.
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