Flanders Legends - Museuuw and Magni
The Team Chef
Post a Comment
With the Tour of Flanders fast approaching, one cannot help but recall the accomplishments of "The Lion of Flanders," Johann Museuuw. He won the race in '93, '95, and '98, and further demonstrating his prowess on the cobbles, added a trio of Paris-Roubaix victories in '96, '00, and '02. He is the only rider who has won both of these races three times, certainly securing his place as one of cyling's legends.
Another rider, this one an Italian from the Golden Age of cycling, also deserves special recognition at this time of year - Fiorenzo Magni. During an era when it was quite rare that Italians competed in any of the the Classics outside of their home country, Magni stormed the nasty cobbled bergs of Belgium to win the race an astounding three times in a row - '49, '50, and '51. No one has matched this feat, either before or since. Not only was Fiorenzo the first Italian to win in Flanders, but it would be another 40 years before another would again claim the top step of the podium (Moreno Argentin in '90).
Hats off to the original "Lion of Flanders", Fiorenzo Magni.
Photo credit: Fierenzo Magni, Ride My Bicycle
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments