0:03:11 > 0:03:14It's the afternoon of Saturday, the 10th of April.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16Roger De Vlaeminck arrives at the Brooklyn team's hotel
0:03:16 > 0:03:18in Lamorlay, north of Paris.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21His team-mates and the team personnel are already there
0:03:21 > 0:03:22to meet him.
0:03:27 > 0:03:34THEY SPEAK IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Roger De Vlaeminck is Brooklyn's star,
0:03:43 > 0:03:47and he's one of the favourites in the classic Paris-Roubaix cycle race.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59THEY SPEAK IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Eddy Merckx arrives at the Molteni team's hotel in Survilliers.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10The mechanics meet him and are ready to go to work on his bicycles.
0:04:16 > 0:04:22THEY SPEAK IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Eddy Merckx is the biggest name in professional cycling
0:04:35 > 0:04:38and he has dominated the sport in an exceptional manner
0:04:38 > 0:04:39for several years.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42He is Roger De Vlaeminck's rival in Paris-Roubaix.
0:04:49 > 0:04:50The legs are shaved for a massage -
0:04:50 > 0:04:54one of the most important steps in preparing each individual rider.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09The muscles must be softened in readiness for the torture ahead.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12De Vlaeminck, like his rivals, is already in fine condition,
0:05:12 > 0:05:16benefitting from some of the hard spring races in Italy and Belgium.
0:05:22 > 0:05:28THEY SPEAK IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE
0:06:09 > 0:06:13Eddy Merckx personally supervises the preparation of his machines.
0:06:13 > 0:06:20THEY SPEAK IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE
0:06:27 > 0:06:30He has the reputation of being a super perfectionist,
0:06:30 > 0:06:32a maniac about mechanical details.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Something always needs to be adjusted,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37especially the height of the saddle.
0:06:47 > 0:06:53THEY SPEAK IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE
0:07:25 > 0:07:30THEY SPEAK IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE
0:07:34 > 0:07:36The Brooklyn team's doctor, Dr Modesti,
0:07:36 > 0:07:38gives De Vlaeminck a check-up.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46Blood pressure 120. Pulse 40.
0:07:51 > 0:07:52Everything is in order.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Such a low pulse rate isn't abnormal
0:07:54 > 0:07:56for a racing cyclist in top condition.
0:08:14 > 0:08:21THEY SPEAK IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE
0:08:51 > 0:08:59HE SINGS IN FRENCH
0:09:05 > 0:09:09THEY SPEAK FRENCH
0:09:17 > 0:09:21In Chantilly, the Flandria people are very optimistic.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26They're counting on the Belgian duo of Freddy Maertens and Marc Demeyer.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30Freddy Maertens, on the right, is 24 years old, the new superstar of
0:09:30 > 0:09:32Belgian cycle racing and so far,
0:09:32 > 0:09:36he's the predominant rider this season.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41THEY SPEAK FRENCH
0:09:53 > 0:09:56In their tactics, Maertens and Demeyer
0:09:56 > 0:09:59enjoy the benefit of Flandria's experienced sports director,
0:09:59 > 0:10:03Guillaume Driessens, an expert at making use of inter-team intrigues.
0:10:04 > 0:10:12THEY SPEAK IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE
0:10:19 > 0:10:23A tactical conference is going on at Sanson's hotel.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26They're pinning their hopes on the young Italian Francesco Moser,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29whom many consider the only non-Belgian with a chance.
0:10:32 > 0:10:40THEY SPEAK ITALIAN
0:11:02 > 0:11:06In Italy, Francesco Moser is hailed as the great new hope -
0:11:06 > 0:11:10at last, a new campionissimo who might live up to the glorious past,
0:11:10 > 0:11:14reminiscent of the great Fausto Coppi.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22Roger De Vlaeminck gets ready.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Psychology plays a big part, a question of mind over matter
0:11:25 > 0:11:28and Paris-Roubaix is a special challenge for him.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31Like Merckx, De Vlaeminck has won the race three times.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34It's his ambition to set the record of four wins in the finest
0:11:34 > 0:11:38and most difficult classic event in professional racing.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46He knows that his arch-rival Merckx might be the one
0:11:46 > 0:11:48to do it tomorrow - four victories.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11What gives Paris-Roubaix its reputation as the hardest
0:12:11 > 0:12:14and most fascinating of all classic one-day races is the drama
0:12:14 > 0:12:17which always accompanies the last part of the course -
0:12:17 > 0:12:20over the infamous L'Enfer du Nord - the Hell of the North.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27This hell consists of some primitive narrow country roads with
0:12:27 > 0:12:31centuries-old cobblestones - les Paves du Nord -
0:12:31 > 0:12:34roads no longer used for ordinary civilised traffic,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37but only for the driving of cattle - and for a bicycle race.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39A truly legendary course.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Year after year, this hell is the setting for a veritable
0:12:46 > 0:12:50Dante's Inferno with incredible tortures, and even martyrdom.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Sometimes the roadside is transformed into a quagmire
0:12:53 > 0:12:56and the cobblestones into a skating rink.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00And this hell has become the home ground of the Flemish supermen.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03An exclusive affair, reserved only for the strongest.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Sunday the 11th of April. It's 7.30 in the morning.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33From here at the square in Chantilly,
0:13:33 > 0:13:37the 74th Paris-Roubaix will start in a couple of hours.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40The race was run for the first time in 1896
0:13:40 > 0:13:44and has since been run every year, except during the War years.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47And every year adds to the legend of the Hell of the North.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57Paris-Roubaix is 166 miles long but the first 100 miles
0:13:57 > 0:14:00are ridden on ordinary asphalt roads.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04It's at Neuvilly that the course's strategic zone commences,
0:14:04 > 0:14:05the terrible Paves du Nord.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21At the hotels this morning, the teams are getting ready to
0:14:21 > 0:14:24meet up at the starting place in Chantilly.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Each one of the bicycles has been taken apart.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32Each bicycle has ten or 12 gears but the individual riders have
0:14:32 > 0:14:35each chosen the number of teeth on their sprockets.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44The machines of Moser and his best support rider, Ole Ritter,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47are equipped with specially strong patented tyres, in the hope
0:14:47 > 0:14:51of avoiding too many punctures on the almost impossible cobbled roads.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16The competitors consume a solid breakfast. Brooklyn is a good team.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Roger De Vlaeminck can expect loyal
0:15:18 > 0:15:22and effective support from riders such as De Witte, De Muynck,
0:15:22 > 0:15:27Van Der Schlagmolen, Borgognoni, Guallazzini, Osler.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31They are all riding for De Vlaeminck's chance.
0:15:31 > 0:15:38THEY SPEAK IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE
0:15:46 > 0:15:49A rare steak is a good breakfast for what lies ahead.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01It looks like it's going to be a Paris-Roubaix beneath clear,
0:16:01 > 0:16:05sunny spring skies.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Some of the teams are using the ride to Chantilly
0:16:07 > 0:16:10as a warm-up in the morning chilly air.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32Eddy Merckx and his team will also ride part of the way in.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36But Merckx isn't ready to ride at all until his bicycle is ready.
0:16:48 > 0:16:55THEY SPEAK IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE
0:17:48 > 0:17:55FESTIVE HORNS
0:18:13 > 0:18:17FRENCH COMMENTARY ON TANNOY
0:18:19 > 0:18:22All 15 teams are now assembling in the square in Chantilly.
0:18:22 > 0:18:27Each one of the 154 participants must sign on for the start.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29It's a presentation ritual,
0:18:29 > 0:18:32one which also gives the public a chance to see their heroes.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39HE SPEAKS FRENCH
0:18:56 > 0:19:04FRENCH COMMENTARY ON TANNOY
0:19:15 > 0:19:17The French have long since given up all illusions.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20It's many years since the French riders have been able
0:19:20 > 0:19:23to hold their own in this great French race -
0:19:23 > 0:19:25the last French victory was 20 years ago -
0:19:25 > 0:19:28but that isn't stopping anybody from cheering the national heroes,
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Tour de France winner Bernard Thevenet signs in.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47And veteran Raymond Poulidon, 40 years old, but still among the best.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52FRENCH COMMENTARY ON TANNOY
0:20:00 > 0:20:03The Italian champion Francesco Moser -
0:20:03 > 0:20:05is he the man to beat the Belgians?
0:20:34 > 0:20:37HE SPEAKS FRENCH
0:21:07 > 0:21:10HE SPEAKS FRENCH
0:21:40 > 0:21:41It's 20 minutes past nine.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45The 74th Paris-Roubaix is slowly getting under way.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49Ahead of them is 166 miles, and the riders are expected
0:21:49 > 0:21:51in Roubaix in a little more than seven hours.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53But how many will arrive?
0:22:22 > 0:22:24CROWD CHEERS
0:23:06 > 0:23:08And at the municipal stadium in Roubaix,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11preparations are already being made to receive the race,
0:23:11 > 0:23:13still over seven hours away.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17BNP stands for Banque National de Paris, the principal sponsor of
0:23:17 > 0:23:20this year's race whose organisers, as with most of the best-known cycle
0:23:20 > 0:23:25races in France, are the newspapers L'Equipe and Le Parisien Libere.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51The field is neutralised through the streets of Chantilly,
0:23:51 > 0:23:53until it reaches the official starting line,
0:23:53 > 0:23:56and then it's a free-for-all outside the town.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29It's beautiful weather but cold at this hour of the day and the riders
0:24:29 > 0:24:33are wearing special arm-warmers and leggings in order to keep warm.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50This is where the race is to be let loose,
0:24:50 > 0:24:53with the chateau of Chantilly providing the backdrop.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04But something's holding up the start, something unforeseen
0:25:04 > 0:25:06and probably highly irregular.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10CROWD CHANTING
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Something's blocking the road and delaying departure.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16An obstacle which is not included in the race programme.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23It's a demonstration.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26They're demonstrating against one of the sponsors of the race,
0:25:26 > 0:25:30the newspaper Le Parisien Libere, and they are protesting against
0:25:30 > 0:25:35the redundancies of the operators on linotype as a result of automation.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37It's a long-standing labour conflict -
0:25:37 > 0:25:42and the organisers of the race are not entirely unprepared.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46THEY SHOUT IN FRENCH
0:26:24 > 0:26:29But the delay can also be used for adjusting one's saddle.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32It's such a quiet moment that Brooklyn's service car
0:26:32 > 0:26:35even allows rival Merckx to borrow a spanner.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27A professional bike rider is, of course,
0:27:27 > 0:27:31a moving advertisement - so why not a little space for the workers?
0:27:32 > 0:27:35The riders are let through in single file -
0:27:35 > 0:27:37the chain gang run the gauntlet of epithets
0:27:37 > 0:27:41about the capitalists who have organised their race.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43A political lecture for the road.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47STRIKING FRENCH WORKERS CHANT
0:27:47 > 0:27:51But if the race is going to be ridden anyway - and it is -
0:27:51 > 0:27:54then even the demonstrators have their favourites to cheer.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Such as the idolised Bernard Thevenet.
0:27:56 > 0:28:01THEY CHANT SLOGANS IN FRENCH
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Riding in the back seat of Brooklyn's service car
0:29:33 > 0:29:35is a race commissaire from the French Cycling Union,
0:29:35 > 0:29:38he sees to it that everything proceeds correctly.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44In the driving seat is Roger De Vlaeminck's team director,
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Franco Cribiori.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51SPECTATORS SHOUT SLOGANS
0:29:58 > 0:30:01Valenciennes, about 10 o'clock.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09Valenciennes is over 100 miles along the route,
0:30:09 > 0:30:11and the riders are expected there at a quarter past two,
0:30:11 > 0:30:14when they can pick up food for the second time.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18The feeding station is being marked out with tapes.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48THE DINERS SPEAK FRENCH
0:30:59 > 0:31:01The Cafe de la Place, Valenciennes.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03A waiting room for bike fans.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05This is one of the big days of the year,
0:31:05 > 0:31:08even though nobody is deceiving themselves about a French victory
0:31:08 > 0:31:10in Paris-Roubaix.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47The time is 10.30.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49The race eventually started
0:31:49 > 0:31:51but with more than an hour's delay,
0:31:51 > 0:31:53and within a few miles three men have broken away,
0:31:53 > 0:31:55and have gained a slight advantage.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Three French riders, who in any case don't have a chance,
0:32:13 > 0:32:16which is perhaps why they're trying to distinguish themselves
0:32:16 > 0:32:19at this early stage, when the favourites are still idling,
0:32:19 > 0:32:22and nobody's interested in increasing the pace.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19A fall, due more to the size of the field than the pace.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22Nothing serious, but considerable chaos,
0:33:22 > 0:33:25which rouses the mechanics on the back seats.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46The damage is quickly repaired,
0:33:46 > 0:33:48and at this slow pace it's no problem for the casualties
0:33:48 > 0:33:50to reach the field again.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05Here's Bernard Thevenet once more, still France's greatest hero
0:34:05 > 0:34:08after his triumph in the 1975 Tour de France.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11He doesn't have much of a chance in the Paris-Roubaix,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14because he's not good enough on les paves.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25Each team has its own service car.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27A rider having mechanical difficulties,
0:34:27 > 0:34:30or who for some reason wants to contact his team director,
0:34:30 > 0:34:32calls the car by raising his arm.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35The car is immediately summoned by radio.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39WALKIE-TALKIE RADIO
0:35:02 > 0:35:05The 15 service cars are placed in a definite order,
0:35:05 > 0:35:07for which they have drawn lots.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10Of course it's an advantage to be as far forward as possible,
0:35:10 > 0:35:12because you reach your riders more quickly.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38The time is five minutes to 11.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41The three breakaways have increased their lead.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16The rest of the field is still intact,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19and nobody seems much inclined to start a pursuit of the no-hopers.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23The many motorcycles swarming around the field
0:36:23 > 0:36:26are press photographers, film photographers, radio journalists
0:36:26 > 0:36:29and internal communications people.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32Besides the official cars is a long cortege of press cars,
0:36:32 > 0:36:35who determine their own position either ahead or behind.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50MASSED CHOIR MUSIC BY GUNNER MOLLER PEDERSEN
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- Roubaix, 11 o'clock. - TIME PIPS ON RADIO
0:37:38 > 0:37:40The Eurovision production chiefs,
0:37:40 > 0:37:42for the feature covering the last hour of the race,
0:37:42 > 0:37:45are worried about the delay.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50DISCUSSION OF RACE ON RADIO
0:39:03 > 0:39:06There's excellent teamwork in the breakaway trio.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08They're all sharing the pacemaking,
0:39:08 > 0:39:10so that their riding really amounts to something.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23They've built up an advantage of nearly nine minutes,
0:39:23 > 0:39:27which isn't particularly disturbing for the main favourites of the race,
0:39:27 > 0:39:29and the field's pace is still moderate.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38As a matter of form, it's Molteni and Flandria -
0:39:38 > 0:39:40which is to say the supporting riders
0:39:40 > 0:39:43for Merkcx and Maertens respectively - who have gone into the front
0:39:43 > 0:39:47to make sure that the pace, in spite of everything, doesn't get too slow.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53Merckx himself, and Maertens.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56They've gone ahead on a quick reconnaissance of the situation.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04Right in the middle of the field, wearing the rainbow jersey,
0:40:04 > 0:40:08is World Champion Hennie Kuiper of Holland,
0:40:08 > 0:40:12and sheltering behind his support rider Gualazzini,
0:40:12 > 0:40:13Roger De Vlaeminck, waiting.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27MUSIC BY GUNNER MOLLER PEDERSEN
0:42:00 > 0:42:03The field rides through Compiegne.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26A Brooklyn rider raised his arm,
0:42:26 > 0:42:29and Brooklyn has drawn first position in the line of service cars,
0:42:29 > 0:42:32so they're on the scene without having to pass the others.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46Changing a wheel can take a maximum of ten seconds.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01The three up ahead now have a good five minutes lead,
0:43:01 > 0:43:02just before St Quentin.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13All three still seem very fresh,
0:43:13 > 0:43:16and they take turn in the lead with a smooth, harmonious rhythm.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26The smaller man with glasses, Mariano Martinez,
0:43:26 > 0:43:29is better known as a good mountain climber.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31His slender physique and characteristic upright style
0:43:31 > 0:43:35is better suited to the mountains than to the flat roads.
0:43:41 > 0:43:44One of the three, Jacques Boulas, has punctured.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47Fortunately, the Jobo team car is right behind the breakaway group.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06Off again - it took nine seconds -
0:44:06 > 0:44:09and it'll take some pedalling to reach the other two again.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30Meanwhile, the race has arrived at St Quentin,
0:44:30 > 0:44:32but here something unexpected happens.
0:44:36 > 0:44:37A new obstacle.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40The cars can't get through, and have to drive up over pavements
0:44:40 > 0:44:41and through front yards.
0:44:41 > 0:44:43Chaos again.
0:44:48 > 0:44:51The bike race has turned into a steeplechase.
0:44:51 > 0:44:53It's another demonstration for the laid-off workers
0:44:53 > 0:44:55of Le Parisien Libere.
0:45:05 > 0:45:10IMPASSIONED SHOUTING IN FRENCH
0:45:20 > 0:45:23THEY CHANT SLOGANS
0:46:09 > 0:46:11But both the breakaway trio, and then the field
0:46:11 > 0:46:13are allowed to slip through,
0:46:13 > 0:46:15and, after some delay, the accompanying cars.
0:46:15 > 0:46:17The bike race goes on.
0:46:28 > 0:46:30The trio's advantage has begun to diminish,
0:46:30 > 0:46:33because now they're approaching L'enfer du Nord.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36It isn't far to Hell now, and the main field starts to accelerate.
0:46:51 > 0:46:54Through Le Cateau, only four miles before the first cobbles,
0:46:54 > 0:46:56and the field have gathered speed.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08Right behind the pack are two official cars...
0:47:09 > 0:47:11..then the 15 service cars,
0:47:11 > 0:47:14a few press cars - most of them have gone on ahead -
0:47:23 > 0:47:24..the doctor's car,
0:47:25 > 0:47:27an ambulance
0:47:27 > 0:47:29and more press cars.
0:47:31 > 0:47:33The cavalcade ends with the broom wagon -
0:47:33 > 0:47:35so-called because it sweeps up the riders
0:47:35 > 0:47:37who've retired from the race.
0:47:40 > 0:47:44Then the bike rack car to carry their bicycles.
0:47:50 > 0:47:54Neuvilly, immediately before the rough stuff.
0:47:54 > 0:47:56The time is 10 minutes to two.
0:48:01 > 0:48:03A single rider in the lead.
0:48:03 > 0:48:06It's Talbourdet, one of the three breakaways.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09And then there are the other two, Martinez and Boulas.
0:48:14 > 0:48:17But there, also, is the field.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27It's important to be among the first in on the paves,
0:48:27 > 0:48:31as the twisting cobbled roads cause an immediate spreading of the field.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38This is where Hell begins.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41The first stretch of pave is only two miles long,
0:48:41 > 0:48:43but terribly difficult.
0:48:43 > 0:48:45The surface is completely deformed,
0:48:45 > 0:48:48and here past Neuvilly, there's a steep hill, as well.
0:48:48 > 0:48:51And who's the first man in? It's Talbourdet.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54He doesn't appear to have considered resigning yet.
0:49:31 > 0:49:33But then it happens -
0:49:33 > 0:49:36the front of the field catches up with him and streams past.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40It's Roger De Vlaeminck, followed by Walter Planckaert.
0:50:00 > 0:50:04De Vlaeminck is now in the clear, and forcing the pace.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07SPECTATORS SHOUT ENCOURAGEMENT
0:50:10 > 0:50:13There's panic in the field and signs of disintegration.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32De Vlaeminck continues his tremendous push.
0:50:32 > 0:50:34Not that he intends to go it alone,
0:50:34 > 0:50:36but rather to provoke a state of alarm and split the field.
0:50:55 > 0:51:00Behind him and leading the pursuit is his sworn enemy Freddy Maertens.
0:51:09 > 0:51:10Andre Dierickx is at his rear wheel
0:51:10 > 0:51:13and they have De Vlaeminck under control.
0:51:34 > 0:51:37But the wild dash for the lead has had a dramatic effect.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40It took just a couple of miles to split the field.
0:51:40 > 0:51:43The merciless weeding-out process has begun.
0:52:08 > 0:52:11In the front group of about 20 men are Moser, Dierickx,
0:52:11 > 0:52:15Planckaert, and two or three Brooklyn riders behind De Vlaeminck.
0:52:16 > 0:52:19But Merckx is here, at the head of the second group,
0:52:19 > 0:52:21and behind him Walter Godefroot.
0:52:29 > 0:52:31There's Talbourdet - of the three breakaways,
0:52:31 > 0:52:32the one who held out the longest.
0:52:34 > 0:52:36And there, a little ahead of the new main field,
0:52:36 > 0:52:38is Raymond Poulidor, who, year after year,
0:52:38 > 0:52:41has placed himself as the best Frenchman in the race.
0:53:02 > 0:53:05At the rear, the weak and the more unfortunate
0:53:05 > 0:53:08are being left behind, while those who don't like cobblestones
0:53:08 > 0:53:10prefer riding along on the roadside.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15An accident here, on the first stretch of paves, can be disastrous.
0:53:15 > 0:53:17This is where the broom wagon has something to do,
0:53:17 > 0:53:20when they start giving up.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38And one of the first to pack it in is our old acquaintance now,
0:53:38 > 0:53:42number 173, Jacques Boulas, who was in the breakaway trio.
0:53:53 > 0:53:55There he is, poor Boulas - completely done for
0:53:55 > 0:53:58and the end of Paris-Roubaix for him.
0:54:23 > 0:54:26HE SPEAKS FRENCH
0:57:37 > 0:57:39These old cobbled roads are hardly ever used,
0:57:39 > 0:57:41except by farmers on their way to the fields,
0:57:41 > 0:57:43and now, on this calm Sunday in April,
0:57:43 > 0:57:45by a bunch of crazy bike-riders.
0:57:46 > 0:57:49In fine weather, the crossroads are a good picnic spot
0:57:49 > 0:57:51for the nearby villages.
0:57:51 > 0:57:53People wait to get a glimpse of the great race
0:57:53 > 0:57:55that has made this region legendary.
0:57:55 > 0:57:58They wait for a few fleeting moments of action, drama,
0:57:58 > 0:58:00torture and even heroism.
0:58:08 > 0:58:11FRENCH RADIO RACE COMMENTARY
0:58:54 > 0:58:56The time is 20 past two.
0:58:56 > 0:58:58Now the race appears to be regrouping.
0:59:34 > 0:59:39And there's not much distance between the two leading packs.
0:59:39 > 0:59:42In other words, Merckx's section has closed in on De Vlaeminck's group.
0:59:52 > 0:59:55There are about 15 men in the first group.
0:59:59 > 1:00:03And Merkcx, at the head of the second group, commands another 18.
1:00:10 > 1:00:14But Maertens isn't in either group. He must have had problems.
1:00:40 > 1:00:43But there he is, hidden behind a motorcycle,
1:00:43 > 1:00:45a little ahead of the main field.
1:00:45 > 1:00:47Now Maertens has to try to catch up alone,
1:00:47 > 1:00:50with none of his team to help.
1:01:04 > 1:01:08A mile later and the situation is fairly obvious.
1:01:08 > 1:01:11They're still pounding away in the leading groups.
1:01:11 > 1:01:14Several in that company don't want to make it easy for Maertens
1:01:14 > 1:01:15to join on.
1:01:15 > 1:01:18Dierickx is leading the way, in front of Verbeck.
1:01:18 > 1:01:21Once again the Flemish riders are dictating the pace.
1:01:23 > 1:01:26Despite the tremendous pressure up front, Merckx's group -
1:01:26 > 1:01:29led here by Godefroot - is about to make contact.
1:01:29 > 1:01:31Only seven seconds separate them.
1:01:31 > 1:01:34So a merging of nearly all the men that matter is imminent.
1:01:36 > 1:01:39How far now does the hapless Maertens lag behind?
1:01:41 > 1:01:45He's got to slog away at it in order to not lose his chance.
1:01:45 > 1:01:48If the main group swallows him up - and they aren't far behind -
1:01:48 > 1:01:51he risks getting stuck with them.
1:01:51 > 1:01:54Maertens is a very strong rider, particularly in time trials,
1:01:54 > 1:01:57but it's remarkable that none of his team-mates up ahead
1:01:57 > 1:01:59have come back in order to help him.
1:02:04 > 1:02:07The gap is 40 seconds between Maertens and the leaders.
1:02:12 > 1:02:16And there's 20 seconds between Maertens and the main field,
1:02:16 > 1:02:19here being led optimistically by the Dane Ole Ritter.
1:02:19 > 1:02:22Ritter has always been well placed in Paris-Roubaix,
1:02:22 > 1:02:25and it's obvious that he intends making his presence felt.
1:02:31 > 1:02:33There are other good riders in this group, too,
1:02:33 > 1:02:35who will contribute to narrowing the deficit,
1:02:35 > 1:02:39hoping that sooner or later the speed up front will diminish.
1:02:43 > 1:02:46But most of them are doing their utmost just to keep up.
1:02:46 > 1:02:49The back end of the field is starting to fall apart,
1:02:49 > 1:02:52and one by one the stragglers have to call it quits.
1:02:52 > 1:02:54The weeding out, mercilessly, continues.
1:02:56 > 1:02:58Following the main field, comes the line of vehicles.
1:02:58 > 1:03:01The officials in the red cars still won't let the service
1:03:01 > 1:03:05vehicles pass the field and drive up behind the leaders.
1:03:19 > 1:03:21The red Peugeots also direct the traffic.
1:03:21 > 1:03:23They're the command centre of the race,
1:03:23 > 1:03:25from which the other vehicles are kept notified
1:03:25 > 1:03:27about the positions of the riders by radio,
1:03:27 > 1:03:31and likewise the service cars are called up singly when needed.
1:03:33 > 1:03:36A fall. Number 163, Herve Inaudi of France.
1:03:36 > 1:03:39He won't be getting back on his bike today.
1:03:39 > 1:03:41KLAXONS BLARE
1:03:49 > 1:03:53The service cars keep an eye on the right side of the road.
1:03:53 > 1:03:54It's there - always on the right -
1:03:54 > 1:03:57that riders with mechanical problems await help.
1:04:04 > 1:04:07Such as here, for example.
1:04:07 > 1:04:11It has to be quick, now, because so much is happening up ahead
1:04:11 > 1:04:14and he'll have to do the best he can with that wheel.
1:04:20 > 1:04:23WALKIE-TALKIE RADIO
1:04:23 > 1:04:26The radio reports that Maertens has now received assistance from
1:04:26 > 1:04:28his team mate, Michel Pollentier, who has dropped back for him,
1:04:28 > 1:04:31and that they're closing on the leaders,
1:04:31 > 1:04:33who are now bunched in a single group,
1:04:33 > 1:04:36after the exertions of Merckx, and Godefroot.
1:04:39 > 1:04:41RADIO COMMUNICATION CONTINUES
1:04:51 > 1:04:55Now De Vlaeminck has to be notified that Maertens is approaching.
1:04:55 > 1:04:57KLAXON BLARES
1:05:00 > 1:05:03CAR TOOTS
1:05:07 > 1:05:12DRIVER SHOUTS TO RIDER
1:05:15 > 1:05:18Valenciennes, 20 minutes to three.
1:05:25 > 1:05:27It won't be long now.
1:05:27 > 1:05:29From the Cafe de la Place -
1:05:29 > 1:05:31everybody knows how things are developing.
1:05:31 > 1:05:35Maertens has reached the lead group, and the pace has been reduced.
1:05:38 > 1:05:42RACE COMMENTARY ON RADIO
1:05:55 > 1:05:58But something happens just before Valenciennes.
1:05:58 > 1:06:01Two Brooklyn riders have broken away, the Belgian De Muynck
1:06:01 > 1:06:04and the Italian Osler, who here speed over a level crossing.
1:06:08 > 1:06:11SPECTATORS CHEER ON RIDERS
1:06:25 > 1:06:27This breakaway is a tactical manoeuvre.
1:06:27 > 1:06:29Neither De Muynck nor Osler
1:06:29 > 1:06:31are among the real contestants in this race.
1:06:31 > 1:06:33They've been sent by De Vlaeminck
1:06:33 > 1:06:36with the intention of forcing his rivals to greater activity.
1:06:36 > 1:06:39It's obvious that De Vlaeminck wants to dictate
1:06:39 > 1:06:41how the race is to be ridden this year.
1:06:41 > 1:06:45He's on the offensive, even with this ploy by his own support riders.
1:07:01 > 1:07:04The expected re-grouping takes place behind the breakaway,
1:07:04 > 1:07:07on the outskirts of Valenciennes.
1:07:07 > 1:07:09Kuiper, Poulidor and Ritter have caught up.
1:07:09 > 1:07:12It was their last chance to be included in the finale,
1:07:12 > 1:07:15which begins after the feeding station in the town.
1:07:16 > 1:07:19Some of the very worst cobbles are waiting further north.
1:07:19 > 1:07:22The race is barely halfway into Hell.
1:07:35 > 1:07:39The second feeding zone is right outside the Cafe de la Place.
1:07:44 > 1:07:46There's a lunch bag for every one.
1:08:02 > 1:08:04And it's also where many of the riders dismount -
1:08:04 > 1:08:08the hopelessly outdistanced, the weary support men
1:08:08 > 1:08:10who may feel that they've done their duty,
1:08:10 > 1:08:12some, even, that it was well performed.
1:08:12 > 1:08:15They know that here, team personnel are ready to take care of them,
1:08:15 > 1:08:17and that there is transport to Roubaix.
1:08:27 > 1:08:31THEY SPEAK FRENCH
1:09:14 > 1:09:17Some of them gave up long before Valenciennes,
1:09:17 > 1:09:20but were lucky enough to get a lift from private motorists
1:09:20 > 1:09:22just out to see the bike race.
1:09:22 > 1:09:24ALL CONVERSE IN FRENCH
1:09:26 > 1:09:29WHISTLE Oh!
1:09:29 > 1:09:32HE SPEAKS IN FRENCH
1:09:32 > 1:09:34WHISTLE HE SPEAKS IN FRENCH
1:09:34 > 1:09:36ALL CONVERSE IN FRENCH
1:09:49 > 1:09:51Merci bien. Merci bien.
1:09:51 > 1:09:54ALL CONVERSE IN FRENCH
1:09:59 > 1:10:01ALL CONVERSE IN FRENCH
1:11:00 > 1:11:02SHE SPEAKS IN FRENCH
1:12:03 > 1:12:07The two Brooklyn attackers still have a slight advantage.
1:12:07 > 1:12:10It can't go on for long because Merckx, as usual, has assumed
1:12:10 > 1:12:14the role all the others are eager to see him in, the lead position.
1:12:14 > 1:12:17Once in front, he heads the pursuit like a locomotive.
1:12:18 > 1:12:21It falls into place for De Vlaeminck.
1:12:21 > 1:12:23Merckx now has to ride after the breakaway
1:12:23 > 1:12:25which De Vlaeminck has organised.
1:12:27 > 1:12:30Merckx is causing the group to string out.
1:12:32 > 1:12:34The new pack is about 40 strong,
1:12:34 > 1:12:37here where the paving stones of Hell start again.
1:12:47 > 1:12:49Barely two hours of the race remain
1:12:49 > 1:12:52and a more comprehensive sorting out is imminent.
1:12:52 > 1:12:54Soon the long column will be thinner.
1:13:05 > 1:13:07Another fall.
1:13:07 > 1:13:10The battle for a place is hard and dangerous on the sharp stones,
1:13:10 > 1:13:13where the speed is again fast and furious.
1:13:13 > 1:13:15HORNS
1:13:21 > 1:13:24RACE RADIO CRACKLES
1:13:31 > 1:13:34HORNS
1:13:40 > 1:13:43And Poulidor is furious, he wants a wheel...and now!
1:13:56 > 1:13:58There's some very fast riding now.
1:13:58 > 1:14:02It's difficult just to keep position, to keep your rear wheel.
1:14:02 > 1:14:06Maertens, Demeyer, Dierickx,
1:14:06 > 1:14:12Godefroot, De Vlaeminck and Merckx...leading.
1:14:16 > 1:14:20Merckx attempts to break the others with his tremendous power.
1:14:26 > 1:14:29The time is 20 minutes to four.
1:14:29 > 1:14:33At the cycle track in Roubaix the countdown continues.
1:14:33 > 1:14:37In the interim period there is...cycle racing.
1:14:39 > 1:14:42But track racing is only a substitute,
1:14:42 > 1:14:46- the real thing is the road and the crowd is awaiting its heroes.- Allez!
1:14:48 > 1:14:50This old track's most distinguished function
1:14:50 > 1:14:53has been to provide the setting for the conclusion of one
1:14:53 > 1:14:55of the world's greatest road races.
1:14:55 > 1:14:58COMMENTARY CRACKLES OVER THE RADIO
1:15:08 > 1:15:10Roubaix is close to the Belgian border
1:15:10 > 1:15:13and today the track is a Mecca for thousands of them.
1:15:24 > 1:15:27The Eurovision television commentators are getting ready.
1:15:27 > 1:15:30Transmission time is an hour from the finish.
1:16:00 > 1:16:02A few things have been happening in Hell.
1:16:02 > 1:16:05The two Brooklyn breakaways have been overtaken,
1:16:05 > 1:16:07but straight afterwards a lone rider took off.
1:16:07 > 1:16:11It's Frenchman Sibille, who bravely takes his life in his hands.
1:16:19 > 1:16:22But he doesn't get very far.
1:16:22 > 1:16:24On the left Maertens' leading man Marc Demeyer,
1:16:24 > 1:16:27on the right Godefroot.
1:16:27 > 1:16:30Merckx has temporarily stopped his attempts to split the field.
1:16:30 > 1:16:33Everyone is happy to take a breather.
1:16:38 > 1:16:39HORN
1:16:39 > 1:16:41More mishaps.
1:16:42 > 1:16:45A Brooklyn rider is among the unfortunates.
1:16:51 > 1:16:53And there lies Walter Planckaert.
1:16:53 > 1:16:55He might have been one of the strong men,
1:16:55 > 1:16:58but his luck ran out as it does for so many.
1:17:00 > 1:17:03They're waiting for the doctor and for transport
1:17:03 > 1:17:05as the Brooklyn car rushes off to De Vlaeminck again.
1:17:05 > 1:17:07HORNS BLARE
1:17:16 > 1:17:19And up here the battle is coming to the boil.
1:17:19 > 1:17:21Every other second the rhythm is broken
1:17:21 > 1:17:23by somebody trying to break away.
1:17:23 > 1:17:25All the favourites are active now
1:17:25 > 1:17:27and have put themselves at the front of the field.
1:17:30 > 1:17:31De Vlaeminck.
1:17:34 > 1:17:36Demeyer.
1:17:37 > 1:17:40Godefroot, Maertens, Danguillaume.
1:17:42 > 1:17:44They keep a sharp eye on each other.
1:17:44 > 1:17:46Maertens has taken the lead.
1:17:48 > 1:17:52But off to the right, De Vlaeminck suddenly attacks.
1:17:52 > 1:17:53Way out on the side of the road,
1:17:53 > 1:17:56he pedals away in a new attempt to get free.
1:18:04 > 1:18:06Moser is the first to react...
1:18:06 > 1:18:08and then Maertens.
1:18:09 > 1:18:11And this time they know that it's do or die.
1:18:17 > 1:18:20De Vlaeiminck once more in the process of splitting the field.
1:18:22 > 1:18:26Maertens gives it all he's got to overtake his two rivals.
1:18:27 > 1:18:29Finally, he catches up with them.
1:18:29 > 1:18:32Right behind him is Godefroot and Raas
1:18:32 > 1:18:34and so the situation levels off.
1:18:37 > 1:18:41But the field shrinks. About 25 men are still together
1:18:41 > 1:18:44with around 22 miles still to go to Roubaix.
1:18:47 > 1:18:50One after another...they falter.
1:19:13 > 1:19:16- Now there's a new fall. - CAR HORN
1:19:16 > 1:19:17RACE RADIO CRACKLES
1:19:17 > 1:19:20It's Maertens. Freddy Maertens has crashed.
1:19:22 > 1:19:23Argh!
1:19:51 > 1:19:54The young Belgian star has no hope now of success.
1:19:54 > 1:19:58The race is over for the man many considered the top favourite.
1:20:02 > 1:20:05And Maertens sadly ends the race as a passenger in the doctor's car.
1:20:10 > 1:20:12Walter Godefroot has taken the lead
1:20:12 > 1:20:17and now it's his turn to force the pace so that it hurts.
1:20:17 > 1:20:20Godefroot, a former winner of Paris-Roubaix, seems in good form
1:20:20 > 1:20:21and is riding very well.
1:20:21 > 1:20:25With his smooth, powerful technique, he's a real expert in this terrain
1:20:25 > 1:20:29and is not nicknamed the Bulldog of Flanders for nothing.
1:20:37 > 1:20:39And suddenly it happens.
1:20:39 > 1:20:41Four men have broken away.
1:20:41 > 1:20:44Godefroot, Demeyer, De Vlaeminck and Kuiper.
1:20:48 > 1:20:52De Vlaeminck looks back and proceeds to increase the speed even more.
1:20:55 > 1:20:58Notice Demeyer tucked into De Vlaeminck's slipstream.
1:20:58 > 1:20:59He's riding for himself now.
1:20:59 > 1:21:01The crash by his captain Maertens
1:21:01 > 1:21:03has released him from all obligations.
1:21:09 > 1:21:13The remainder of the field are a couple of hundred yards behind.
1:21:15 > 1:21:17Two men have separated themselves
1:21:17 > 1:21:19and are midway between it and the breakaways.
1:21:19 > 1:21:22They're the two Frenchmen Poulidor and Danguillaume,
1:21:22 > 1:21:24desperately trying to include themselves
1:21:24 > 1:21:26in this undoubtedly decisive escape.
1:21:30 > 1:21:35Still another rider approaches the two at high speed...and passes them.
1:21:35 > 1:21:37They just can't keep up with him.
1:21:52 > 1:21:55It's Francesco Moser with his distinctive style.
1:21:55 > 1:21:58His still, aerodynamic position on the bicycle
1:21:58 > 1:22:01is an imposing sight of almost effortless rotary action.
1:22:11 > 1:22:14Moser continues to bridge the gap.
1:22:27 > 1:22:31And now Moser has made it and there are five men in the leading group.
1:22:41 > 1:22:43But Godefroot has problems.
1:22:43 > 1:22:46He's punctured. A real disaster for him.
1:22:46 > 1:22:48And so another man's chance has gone.
1:22:48 > 1:22:50MEN CONVERSE IN FRENCH
1:22:51 > 1:22:54Now it's obvious that the decisive move has begun.
1:22:54 > 1:22:58And in the service cars an appraisal of the situation is made.
1:22:58 > 1:23:00Who's still in the race and who isn't?
1:24:09 > 1:24:10The Italian Moser.
1:24:10 > 1:24:13The rival Belgians, De Vlaeminck and Demeyer.
1:24:13 > 1:24:16The Dutchman Kuiper in the World Champion's rainbow jersey.
1:24:16 > 1:24:19These are the four who've gained for themselves a vital position.
1:24:34 > 1:24:36Merckx unaccountably wasn't there when it happened,
1:24:36 > 1:24:39but naturally he's leading the pursuit.
1:24:55 > 1:24:57The Eurovision TV camera
1:24:57 > 1:25:00is positioned directly behind the four leading riders.
1:25:00 > 1:25:04The live transmission has begun and we're into the final hour of Hell.
1:25:04 > 1:25:07MAN COMMENTATES IN FRENCH
1:25:56 > 1:26:00The four breakaways. How great an advantage do they have?
1:26:08 > 1:26:1010 seconds.
1:26:10 > 1:26:11HORN
1:26:13 > 1:26:1415.
1:26:17 > 1:26:1920.
1:26:22 > 1:26:2425.
1:26:28 > 1:26:2930.
1:26:31 > 1:26:3335.
1:26:37 > 1:26:3840.
1:26:41 > 1:26:4345.
1:26:43 > 1:26:45And here comes a single rider.
1:26:45 > 1:26:47It's the Frenchman Danguillaume.
1:26:47 > 1:26:50About 50 seconds behind the quartet.
1:26:57 > 1:27:00And here comes Merckx, Godefroot and the others,
1:27:00 > 1:27:01about 15 seconds after Deguillaume
1:27:01 > 1:27:05and so more than a minute behind De Vlaeminck and the others.
1:27:14 > 1:27:17Some of the worst pave lies close to Roubaix
1:27:17 > 1:27:22and on these misshapen roads, in these dust clouds, a lot can happen.
1:27:22 > 1:27:23HORN
1:27:27 > 1:27:29WHISTLE APPLAUSE
1:27:29 > 1:27:33The four negotiate a sharp corner and...chaos again.
1:27:33 > 1:27:35WHISTLE
1:27:35 > 1:27:37MEN SHOUT IN FRENCH
1:28:19 > 1:28:22There's Danguillaume...still 50 seconds behind.
1:28:32 > 1:28:35And the Merckx group a good minute behind the leaders.
1:28:38 > 1:28:40Now there are only 12 men in Merckx's group.
1:28:40 > 1:28:42The rest are scattered in the dust.
1:28:48 > 1:28:51Moser and De Vlaeminck are doing all the work in the lead group.
1:28:51 > 1:28:54They're the ones making sure that the distance between them
1:28:54 > 1:28:57and their pursuers is constantly increasing.
1:28:57 > 1:28:59Neither Demeyer nor Kuiper take the lead,
1:28:59 > 1:29:00they're just hanging on,
1:29:00 > 1:29:03or are they being crafty and saving their strength?
1:29:04 > 1:29:07Demeyer glues himself to De Vlaeminck's rear wheel.
1:29:07 > 1:29:10He's been in that position since the start of the breakaway.
1:29:10 > 1:29:14He's still marking De Vlaeminck and in so doing furthers the war
1:29:14 > 1:29:18that Maertens and De Vlaeminck are waging against each other.
1:29:18 > 1:29:20HORN
1:29:22 > 1:29:24SIREN
1:29:24 > 1:29:26Kuiper is always at the rear.
1:29:26 > 1:29:30Is he tired or is he waiting for a chance to get a jump on the others?
1:29:30 > 1:29:33That's his speciality and that's how, a little unexpectedly,
1:29:33 > 1:29:35he became the world champion last year.
1:29:35 > 1:29:37HORNS
1:29:42 > 1:29:45The rest of the way is ordinary asphalt road.
1:29:45 > 1:29:48It's unlikely now that anybody in the rear group can catch up.
1:30:29 > 1:30:32Hennie Kuiper.
1:30:32 > 1:30:34Now he plays his hand.
1:30:37 > 1:30:41But De Vlaeminck is alert and immediately wipes out the danger.
1:30:41 > 1:30:44And the ace Belgian still seems to be controlling the race.
1:32:09 > 1:32:12On the final miles De Vlaminck again keeps the pressure on.
1:32:12 > 1:32:15His pacemaking is tough and exhausting.
1:32:15 > 1:32:17It looks as if he's trying to force an early showdown.
1:32:17 > 1:32:19By continuing his attacks,
1:32:19 > 1:32:22he's hoping to drain the power from his three companions.
1:32:59 > 1:33:02The Merckx group is about a minute and a half behind.
1:33:02 > 1:33:04Danguillaume has been swallowed up by them
1:33:04 > 1:33:07and now no-one shows any desire to make a break for it.
1:33:11 > 1:33:14Dutch Tour de France star Zoetemelk is tired.
1:33:18 > 1:33:21Merckx seems resigned to his fate.
1:33:33 > 1:33:36Moser tries to make a break for it,
1:33:36 > 1:33:38but again De Vlaeminck parries the move in a flash.
1:33:45 > 1:33:47And Kuiper again.
1:33:47 > 1:33:50But De Vlaeminck sees it and is on his wheel at once.
1:33:54 > 1:33:57Eddy Merckx. The race is over for him.
1:33:57 > 1:34:00He hasn't been able to dominate this one.
1:34:08 > 1:34:10But suddenly he mounts an attack.
1:34:10 > 1:34:12Only a Merckx would attack at this late hour.
1:34:16 > 1:34:20The final kilometre. Which of the four is the best sprinter?
1:34:20 > 1:34:24Normally, it's De Vlaeminck, no doubt about it, and then Moser.
1:34:31 > 1:34:33WHISTLE
1:34:33 > 1:34:34Merckx.
1:34:37 > 1:34:39But he doesn't succeed in breaking loose.
1:34:39 > 1:34:42The others are on his tail and he doesn't force the issue.
1:34:55 > 1:34:58The time is ten minutes past five.
1:34:58 > 1:35:01A little relaxation before riding into the stadium.
1:35:16 > 1:35:19De Vlaeminck and Moser have probably expended the most
1:35:19 > 1:35:23in building up and consolidating the breakaway's lead.
1:35:23 > 1:35:25So, just how fresh are Demeyer and Kuiper?
1:35:43 > 1:35:46There are one and a half laps to do on the track.
1:35:46 > 1:35:49De Vlaeminck maintains his command of the situation.
1:35:49 > 1:35:51BELL RINGS
1:35:56 > 1:35:58CROWD CHEERS
1:36:44 > 1:36:46De Vlaeminck makes the tactical error
1:36:46 > 1:36:49of riding a long sprint from the leading position.
1:36:49 > 1:36:52Moser attacks from above but he doesn't box in Demeyer,
1:36:52 > 1:36:56who slots in between them and rides a really explosive finale.
1:37:06 > 1:37:11First Marc Demeyer, second Moser, third De Vlaeminck...
1:37:13 > 1:37:15..fourth Kuiper.
1:37:18 > 1:37:21Meanwhile, Merckx's group approaches the stadium.
1:37:21 > 1:37:23Four riders have detached themselves.
1:37:23 > 1:37:26Jan Raas, Merckx, Godefroot and Danguillaume.
1:38:45 > 1:38:47The surprise winner, Marc Demeyer,
1:38:47 > 1:38:50a tremendous triumph for this support rider
1:38:50 > 1:38:53who rode his own race when his star Maertens dropped out.
1:38:54 > 1:38:56And victory is especially sweet,
1:38:56 > 1:39:00snatched as it was from the hands of Maertens' arch-enemy De Vlaeminck.
1:39:00 > 1:39:02THEY CONVERSE IN FRENCH
1:39:05 > 1:39:07CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
1:39:10 > 1:39:12THEY CONVERSE IN FRENCH
1:40:22 > 1:40:25And from the television platform
1:40:25 > 1:40:27over to the official podium and the photographers.
1:40:29 > 1:40:31Advertising interests form the economic basis
1:40:31 > 1:40:33for professional cycle racing
1:40:33 > 1:40:36and for the organisers Paris-Roubaix is a business enterprise.
1:40:36 > 1:40:40And so the Banque Nationale de Paris, the race's principal sponsor,
1:40:40 > 1:40:42is naturally in the picture.
1:40:42 > 1:40:44And that's what the bank has paid for.
1:40:44 > 1:40:46APPLAUSE
1:41:17 > 1:41:20Another ritual is the victor's obligatory refreshment...
1:41:20 > 1:41:22a bottle of mineral water.
1:41:22 > 1:41:24Also in the contract.
1:41:24 > 1:41:27For the race's producers just another necessary detail,
1:41:27 > 1:41:30but a bit more hell if he doesn't like to drink it!
1:41:38 > 1:41:41Eddy Merckx...inscrutable as ever.
1:42:03 > 1:42:07Roger De Vlaeminck...disappointed and furious.
1:42:25 > 1:42:27Marc Demeyer...the happy winner.
1:42:27 > 1:42:30HE SPEAKS IN FRENCH
1:43:12 > 1:43:15And that was Paris-Roubaix 1976.
1:43:16 > 1:43:19A great race with a surprise winner.
1:43:19 > 1:43:22A year with a very special character, Paris-Roubaix 1976,
1:43:22 > 1:43:25and it will be remembered as a race of fluctuating fortunes
1:43:25 > 1:43:27in the dust of the L'Enfer du Nord.
1:43:32 > 1:43:34In a week or so, the same cast will be assembled,
1:43:34 > 1:43:38the same actors, the riders, the journalists, the officials.
1:43:38 > 1:43:40The rivalry will continue,
1:43:40 > 1:43:43but few will have forgotten that Sunday in Hell.