Re: [CR]My own Motor pacing experience

(Example: Framebuilding:Norris Lockley)

From: <themaaslands@comcast.net>
To: Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org (Classic Rendezvous)
Subject: Re: [CR]My own Motor pacing experience
Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2003 06:35:23 +0000

Back in 1982, as a diligent university student, I went over to France to follow as many races as possible during breaks in my studies. I went to see as much of the Tour de France as possible, as well as a number of other races. IIRC, it was the year that I saw the arrival in Metz, then near Epinal, then on the Ballon D'Alsace and finally Paris. In Paris, before the arrival of the publicity caravan on the Champs Elysées, part of the day's events was the arrival of a stayer race. I have one photo taken on the rue de Rivoli in front of the English Bookstore looking at the Tuileries. The bikes are regular, apart from the gearing. In the picture, I can see pros from the Renault Elf Gitane (Hianult's team), Miko Mercier (Zoetemelk's team) and Wolber teams. The motor riders all have the same splayed leg, widespread arm position trying to break as much air as possible for the bike riders follwoing them.

I also watched the Bordeaux-Paris race that year, which was at least partially run behind dernies. Maybe my mind is playing games with me, but I believe it was Marcel Tinazzi who eventually won the race (the announcer from radio course sounded like he was saying "The Nazi" with a French accent.) For those of you not familiar with French geography, Bordeaux to Paris is close to 600 km (around 350 miles!!!) All raced in one day, partly unpaced, then completed behind the motors. I think the race died a slow death in the 90's, which truly is a loss for the sport as it brought out a different side to racing.

--
Steven Maasland
Moorestown, NJ