The 1936 Paris-Roubaix is remembered for one of the most controversial finishes in the race’s history. The dispute over who actually crossed the finish line first led to heated debates, protests, and accusations that lingered long after the race ended.
Paris-Roubaix, often called “The Hell of the North,” is one of the most challenging one-day cycling races in the world. The 1936 edition featured the usual treacherous cobblestones, unpredictable weather, and a fiercely competitive field of riders. Among the favorites were Georges Speicher of France, a former Tour de France winner, and Romain Maes of Belgium, a strong rider who had won the 1935 Tour de France.
As the race progressed, it became clear that the final victory would come down to a sprint finish between Speicher and Maes. The two riders battled fiercely as they approached the famous Roubaix Velodrome, where the finish line awaited.
As Speicher and Maes lunged for the line, it was nearly impossible to determine who had crossed first. The technology of the time did not include the precise photo-finish cameras used today, so race officials had to rely on their own observations and manual timing.
Immediately after the finish, confusion set in. Some spectators and journalists claimed that Romain Maes had won, while others believed Speicher had the edge. Belgian supporters, in particular, were adamant that Maes had been robbed of victory. However, the officials declared Georges Speicher the winner, sparking outrage among Belgian fans and cycling experts.
The decision led to immediate protests from the Belgian camp, who argued that Maes had clearly finished ahead. Some even suggested that favoritism played a role in awarding the victory to Speicher, as he was French, and the race was organized by a French body.
Newspapers from Belgium and France published conflicting reports, adding to the controversy. Without a definitive way to settle the matter, the official result remained unchanged, and Speicher was credited with the victory. However, many cycling fans and historians still debate whether the result was fair.