L'échappée Belle Sweat

The history of the productThe great breakaway 1947

L’échappée belle 1947

The breakaway occurs when one or more riders stay clear of the main peloton. The longest breakaway occurred when Albert Bourlon won in 1947.

On July 11, 1947, Bourlon entered the book of records: he realized the longest solo breakaway of french history competition. When the 14th stage started, Bourlon was focused on making as much money as possible by collecting bonuses. Being first at all intermediate sprints, he collected 100.000 francs of the time (equivalent to 200 US dollars of today). Bourlon was alone ahead of the race for 253 kilometers at a speed of 31 kms per hour. He reached the finish line in Luchon, 16 minutes before the Belgian rider Norbert Callens and 22 minutes before René Vietto who was wearing the yellow jersey and Jean Robic who won the overall standings that year.

This record still holds and should hold for a long time. Nowadays, the longest stages are shorter than the distance that Bourlon rode alone. Moreover, it has to be remembered that this stage from Carcassonne to Luchon was a mountain stage! Hardly an easy one in the first place.