Paris–Rouen was the first cycle race covering a distance between two cities. It was held between the cities of Paris and Rouen on 7 November 1869. The winner of the inaugural race was an Englishman living in Paris, James Moore, who rode the 123 kilometres dividing both cities in 10 hours and 40 minutes, including time spent walking his bicycle up the steeper hills.
The event was organized by the fortnightly cycling magazine Le Vélocipède Illustré and the Olivier brothers, owners of a bicycle manufacturer company called The Michaux Company. They were delighted with the success of short races held in Parc de Saint Cloud, Paris and on 7 November they promoted a race between Paris and Rouen, covering a distance of 123 kilometres. The first prize was one thousand gold francs and a bicycle. The rules of the race said that the riders were not to be pulled by a dog or use sails.Woodland, L. (2005), This Island Race, Mousehold Press, p. 5
A total of 120 riders, including two women, participated in the race but just 32 finished within 24 hours. James Moore won, finishing 15 minutes ahead of Castera and Bobillier.The boneshaker: Cycling through Time The first woman, referred to as Miss America, finishing in 29th position - 12 hours and 10 minutes after Moore.
The race was not held after the outbreak of Franco-Prussian War in 1870, but it later returned as an amateur race. The centenary was commemorated on 12 May 1969, and was won by Régis Delepine, who received the same prize as James Moore, one thousand gold francs equivalent to 50 Louis.
General Standings
07-11-1869: Paris–Rouen, 123 km Cyclist Time110h 45'215'3s.t.41h 15'51h 39'62h 54'73h 05'83h 40'93h 50'104h 33'114h 43'124h 45'135h 07'145h 11'156h 44'166h 50'177h 10'187h 20'197h 25'207h 30'217h 35'227h 45'237h 48'247h 53'25s.t.268h 20'279h 20'2810h 30'2911h 50'3012h 10'31s.t.32s.t.3312h 35'3414h 20'35s.t.
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