Paris-Roubaix podium history | 1973 edition | 1971 edition
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The Race:
The 1972 Paris-Roubaix was 272.5 km long and raced at an average speed of 36.817 km/hr
There were 160 starters and 49 classified finishers
The riders were hit with both a strong headwind and very cold rain; perfect flahute [very tough, hard man] weather.
As the peloton went through the Arenberg Forest a giant crash took out more than a few riders, among them Eddy Merckx.
Twenty-three kilometers from the finish Roger de Vlaeminck left the small group that was chasing escapee Willy van Malderghem, who looked to be riding away with the race. De Vlaeminck caught and passed van Malderghem and won with a nearly two-minute gap.
Winner Roger de Vlaeminck on his way to victory in Roubaix.
Complete Results: