Grand Prix d'Isbergues - France
Race Distance - 199 kms, 17 September 95
1. Frank Corvers (Bel, Lotto) 4.58.07
2. Duclos-Lassalle (Fr, GAN) +50 secs
3. Moreels (Bel, Lotto) +1.04
4. Baguet (Bel, Lotto) +3.20
5. Rokia (Fr, FFC-LCPF) +3.23
6. Desbiens (Fr, Castorama)
7. Tchmil (Ukr, Lotto)
8. Kirsipuu (Estonia, Chazal)
9. Heynderickx (Bel, Collstrop)
10. Capiot (Bel, Refin)
11. Kappes (Ger, Refin)
12. Nelisssen (Bel, Lotto)
13. Piziks (Lith, Novell)
14. Capelle (Fr, GAN)
15. Holm (Den, Telekom)
16. Hietanen (Fin, Cedico)
17. Naessens (Bel, Palmans)
18. Assez (Bel, Asfra)
19. Frison (Bel, Lotto)
20. Blaudzun (Den, Novell) all s.t.
Race Report
Gilbert Duclos-Lassalle, who celebrated his 41st birthday on August 25, had
decided to make the GP d'Isbergues, in the Nord--Pas-de-Calais region of
France, the area he had made his own in so many Paris--Roubaix appearances,
his last pro road race (he is to ride three more criteriums -- Nantes 21
Sept, Riom 24 September, Saran 30 September -- and at least one six-day
race -- Grenoble 26-31 October). Then, says Gilbert he'll be able to devote
more of his time to his other great love -- hunting. "Wednesday, for sure,
I'll be going out with my dogs!"
Duclos was on the hunt Sunday as well, making the break at only 30km. "I
was in a false flat with the wind in our faces," he said. "Everybody was
feeling bad, including me, but I sensed that this was was the place where
it was necessary to make the break. Unfortunately the two Lotto went with
me." The trio of Duclos, Corvers and Moreels reached the first hills of the
Artois with 8 minutes on the peloton which was being hampered in its chase
by the GAN and Lotto riders. The maximum lead was 11.45 on the climb of
Reclinghem with 100km still to go. With the peloton moving faster in
pursuit -- the chase split it into six distinct groups -- the trio still
had 7 minutes lead with 30 km to go. Then at 6km to go, Corvers attacked.
Coming in second, Duclos raised his arms like a victor and took a victor's
ovation from the crowd.
This was Duclos-Lassalle's last ever race as a pro. He first
rode as a pro in 1977. His career has spanned those of Merckx (just),
Hinault, Kelly and Indurain. His greatest wins were his 2 victories in
Paris-Roubaix in 1992 and 1993.