The Tour Of The Battlefields 1919 - Cycling's Toughest Ever Stage Race

In the world of professional cycling, there have been numerous legendary races that have challenged riders to their limits. One such race that stands out amongst the rest is The Tour Of The Battlefields, which took place in 1919 after the end of World War I. This grueling stage race not only tested the physical capabilities of the riders but also represented a powerful symbol of resilience and determination.

The Tour Of The Battlefields was organized to honor the fallen soldiers of World War I and pay tribute to the devastated landscapes that served as the battlegrounds during the war. It quickly gained a reputation as one of the toughest races due to the challenging terrains and the emotional weight carried by both riders and spectators.

The race covered a distance of over 1,200 kilometers, spanning through the war-ravaged regions of Northern France and Belgium. The terrain consisted of treacherous cobblestone roads, muddy farm tracks, and steep climbs. The riders had to endure not only physical fatigue but also the haunting reminders of the war's devastation through the remnants of trenches and bomb craters along the route.

Riding in the Zone Rouge: The Tour of the Battlefields 1919 – Cycling's Toughest-Ever Stage Race

by Susie Hodge(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	44609 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages

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With the wounds of war still fresh, the Tour Of The Battlefields provided a unique platform for healing and remembrance. The race attracted thousands of spectators, including war veterans and their families, who witnessed the riders bravely take on the challenge of cycling through the symbolic landscapes.

Perhaps one of the most iconic moments of the Tour Of The Battlefields was the ascent of the Kemmelberg, a steep and narrow climb that tested the riders' strength and determination. The cobblestone road leading to the summit was notorious for its difficulty, and many riders had to dismount and push their bicycles through the challenging sections.

The race was not without controversy and tragedy. The 1919 edition witnessed harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds, which made the already difficult course even more grueling. The riders battled not only against each other but also against the elements, which resulted in numerous crashes and injuries.

However, amidst the challenges and hardships, the Tour Of The Battlefields revealed the true spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Riders helped each other when they fell, and the spectators cheered on their favorite cyclists, providing encouragement and support throughout the race.

One of the most lasting legacies of the Tour Of The Battlefields is the profound impact it had on the sport of cycling. The race pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible at the time, inspiring future generations of cyclists to push themselves further and break new records.

Today, the Tour Of The Battlefields is remembered as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. The race stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made during times of war and the power of unity and determination to overcome even the most challenging obstacles.

, The Tour Of The Battlefields 1919 remains one of cycling's toughest stage races ever. From the treacherous terrains to the emotional weight carried by the riders, it was a race that tested the limits of human endurance. This epic event will forever be remembered for its symbolism, its challenges, and its impact on the world of cycling.

Riding in the Zone Rouge: The Tour of the Battlefields 1919 – Cycling's Toughest-Ever Stage Race

by Susie Hodge(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	44609 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	240 pages

FREE

'An evocatively thoughtful wider history of the race, the war and the peace' GUARDIAN

'Occasionally funny and regularly poignant, brilliantly focused in its research . . . His drive, wit and curiosity inform Zone Rouge . . . gently profound and genuinely moving' HERALD

The Circuit des Champs de Bataille (the Tour of the Battlefields) was held in 1919, less than six months after the end of the First World War. It covered 2,000 kilometres and was raced in appalling conditions across the battlefields of the Western Front, otherwise known as the Zone Rouge. The race was so tough that only 21 riders finished, and it was never staged again.

With one of the most demanding routes ever to feature in a bicycle race, and plagued by appalling weather conditions, the Circuit des Champs de Bataille was beyond gruelling, but today its extraordinary story is largely forgotten. Many of the riders came to the event straight from the army and had to ride 18-hour stages through sleet and snow across the battlefields on which they had fought, and lost friends and family, only a few months before. But in addition to the hellish conditions there were moments of high comedy, even farce.

The rediscovered story of the Circuit des Champs de Bataille is an epic tale of human endurance, suffering and triumph over extreme adversity.